Which statement correctly differentiates IDEA Part B and Part C?

Which statement correctly differentiates IDEA Part B and Part C?

• A. Part B covers birth to 3; Part C covers 3-21
• B. Part B provides FAPE; Part C provides early intervention
• C. Part C excludes home-based services
• D. Part B is not funded by federal government

Answer: (B)

The statement hinges on how IDEA parts differ in purpose and who they serve. IDEA Part B provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the public school setting for children ages 3 through 21 who need special education services. IDEA Part C, by contrast, focuses on early intervention for infants and toddlers from birth through age 2 (up to age 3 in some contexts), delivered through an Individualized Family Service Plan and typically in natural environments, with a strong family-centered approach. Therefore, the combination “Part B provides FAPE; Part C provides early intervention” best captures this distinction. The other options misstate who each part serves or the services they include: the age ranges are reversed for Part B and Part C; home-based services are a common part of Part C, not excluded; and Part B is indeed funded in part by federal funds.

The statement hinges on how IDEA parts differ in purpose and who they serve. IDEA Part B provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the public school setting for children ages 3 through 21 who need special education services. IDEA Part C, by contrast, focuses on early intervention for infants and toddlers from birth through age 2 (up to age 3 in some contexts), delivered through an Individualized Family Service Plan and typically in natural environments, with a strong family-centered approach. Therefore, the combination “Part B provides FAPE; Part C provides early intervention” best captures this distinction. The other options misstate who each part serves or the services they include: the age ranges are reversed for Part B and Part C; home-based services are a common part of Part C, not excluded; and Part B is indeed funded in part by federal funds.