What is the role of the local educational agency (LEA) under IDEA?

The role of the local educational agency (LEA) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) primarily revolves around ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate special education services. The LEA is responsible for the implementation of IDEA at the local level, which includes identifying eligible students, conducting evaluations, developing individualized education programs (IEPs), and providing the necessary services and supports outlined in these programs. This responsibility ensures that students with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs, which is a fundamental principle of IDEA.

In this context, the focus on special education services highlights the LEA's critical position in facilitating collaboration between educators, parents, and service providers to meet the educational requirements of students with disabilities, complying with federal and state regulations. The LEA acts as a bridge that translates the broader mandates of IDEA into specific actions and practices in schools, ensuring that legal protections and entitlements are upheld for these students.