What laws relate to early childhood education and child care for children with disabilities?

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Among other things, ADA says that children with disabilities are entitled access to all child care facilities (center-based and in-home family child care) and other early childhood programs such as Head Start and preschool programs. • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act says programs cannot discriminate against children and adults based on their disability. Section 504 applies to public and private schools, Head Start, child care centers, and family child care homes that receive any federal funds either directly or through a grant, loan, or contract. • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is an education law that ensures children with disabilities have the same access to education as children without disabilities. IDEA requires states to provide a free, appropriate, public education to eligible children. IDEA states that special ...