Office of Special Education Programs

The primary federal agency in the US supporting individuals with special needs is the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), within the U.S. Department of Education (.gov). OSEP provides leadership and financial support to states and local districts to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, from birth through age 21. This support is primarily authorized through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • OSEP‘s Role:
    OSEP is the main federal body responsible for administering the IDEA, which is the cornerstone of special education law in the US.
  • IDEA‘s Function:
    The IDEA ensures that children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and provides funding to states to support special education services.
  • Formula and Discretionary Grants:
    IDEA authorizes formula grants to states and discretionary grants to institutions of higher education and other organizations. These grants support various initiatives like research, demonstrations, technology development, and parent training centers.
     
    OSEP’s Focus:
    OSEP’s work includes providing guidance, technical assistance, and resources to states and local educational agencies to implement IDEA effectively.