The child care & early education glossary defines terms used to describe aspects of child care and early education practice and policy; the research glossary defines terms used in conducting social science and policy research, for example those describing methods, measurements, statistical procedures, and other aspects of research.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Outlines the special education and related services that a child between the ages of 3 and 21 years must receive if they have been identified as having a disability. The IEP represents an agreement between the school or child care provider and the parent/family and is required based on the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B. A child has to be reevaluated every three years to maintain eligibility and continue to receive support services.
Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP)
A written plan that outlines the special services children ages birth through two years and their families will receive if found eligible for early intervention services. The plan is mandated by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. See related: Early Intervention.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
A federal law enacted in 1990 that makes free appropriate public education (FAPE) available to eligible children with disabilities. The IDEA, previously known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA), governs how states and public agencies provide Special Education, Early Intervention, and related services to eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. See related:Part B of the IDEA;Part C of the IDEA.
Informal Child Care
A term used to describe child care provided by relatives, friends, and neighbors in the child's own home or in another home, often in unregulated settings. See related: Informal Child Care; Kith and Kin Child Care; Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Care.
Kindergarten Entry Assessment (KEA)
Assessments developed by states and aligned with states' early learning and development standards to assess what children know and are able to do as they enter kindergarten. KEAs are sometimes referred to as kindergarten readiness assessments (KRAs).
Kindergarten Transition
Refers to a process or milestone in which a child moves from a Preschool setting to kindergarten.
Kith and Kin Child Care
A term used for child care provided by relatives (kin), and friends and neighbors (kith) in the child's own home or in another home, often in unregulated settings. See related: Informal Child Care; Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Child Care; Home-based Child Care.
Layered Funding
A Financing Strategy in which two or more sources pay for services, with core or foundational services being funded by one or more streams, and supplemental services being funded by additional and separate streams. See related: Blended Funding; Braided Funding.
Learning Disability
A general term that includes specific kinds of learning problems or impairments that affect one's ability to learn and use certain skills.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Refers to the legal requirement outlined in the IDEA of educating children with disabilities in regular classes, with suitable aids and supports, to the maximum extent appropriate. LRE requirements apply to all children with disabilities who are served under the IDEA, Part B. See related: Inclusion.