IDEA covers school-aged children within which age range?

• A. 0 through 2
• B. 3 through 21
• C. 5 through 18
• D. 18 through 25

Answer: (B)

IDEA’s school-aged eligibility is defined under Part B, which covers children from age 3 through 21. This is the period when students with disabilities qualify for special education and related services to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment, along with transition planning as they near adulthood. The birth through age 2 window is handled by early intervention (Part C), so it’s not considered school-aged. Some students may continue to receive services beyond high school in certain circumstances, but the standard school-aged range defined by IDEA is 3 through 21. The other options either start too early, end too early, or extend beyond the typical school-age window.