What law established early intervention for children from birth to age three and their families?

What law established early intervention for children from birth to age three and their families?

• A. P.L. 94-142
• B. P.L. 99-457
• C. P.L. 101-476
• D. P.L. 105-17

Answer: (B)

The law that established early intervention services for children from birth to age three and their families is P.L. 99-457. This law amended the Education of the Handicapped Act and included provisions specifically aimed at providing comprehensive early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities. Its significance lies in the recognition that early intervention can greatly enhance developmental outcomes for children with disabilities and support their families in the process. This legislation laid the groundwork for states to develop programs that ensure early screening, assessment, and therapeutic services are accessible, thereby promoting a coordinated system of care for young children. In contrast, other laws mentioned, such as P.L. 94-142, focused primarily on educational rights for children with disabilities starting at age three and not specifically on early intervention for infants and toddlers. P.L. 101-476 and P.L. 105-17 also made important changes to special education law but did not originate the early intervention services as established by P.L. 99-457. Thus, recognizing the historical context and intent of these pieces of legislation is crucial in understanding the evolution of services for children with disabilities.

The law that established early intervention services for children from birth to age three and their families is P.L. 99-457. This law amended the Education of the Handicapped Act and included provisions specifically aimed at providing comprehensive early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities. Its significance lies in the recognition that early intervention can greatly enhance developmental outcomes for children with disabilities and support their families in the process.

This legislation laid the groundwork for states to develop programs that ensure early screening, assessment, and therapeutic services are accessible, thereby promoting a coordinated system of care for young children.

In contrast, other laws mentioned, such as P.L. 94-142, focused primarily on educational rights for children with disabilities starting at age three and not specifically on early intervention for infants and toddlers. P.L. 101-476 and P.L. 105-17 also made important changes to special education law but did not originate the early intervention services as established by P.L. 99-457. Thus, recognizing the historical context and intent of these pieces of legislation is crucial in understanding the evolution of services for children with disabilities.