What determines eligibility for special education services under IDEA?

Eligibility for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is primarily determined by whether the child's condition impacts their educational performance. This concept encompasses a wide range of disabilities, such as learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and physical impairments, which can hinder the student's ability to succeed in a traditional educational setting.

The impact on educational performance is critical because IDEA seeks to ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. Assessments and evaluations are conducted to ascertain the extent to which a child's disability affects their learning, thereby guiding the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that addresses specific educational goals and accommodations.

While other options may relate to aspects of education, they do not directly address the central criterion established by IDEA for qualifying for special education services. For instance, meeting state assessment requirements does not inherently mean that a child has a disability impacting education, nor does financial need or participation in extracurricular activities factor into the determination of eligibility under IDEA guidelines.