What is the age range for children covered under an IEP?

The age range for children covered under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is from 3 to 21 years. This specific range is established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that public schools provide special education services to eligible children starting at age 3. The services continue until the child reaches age 21 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. This framework is designed to ensure that children with disabilities receive the necessary support to succeed in their education, thereby promoting their development and inclusion in the educational environment.

Considering the other options, the range of 0 to 3 years refers to early intervention services, which are available under a different set of guidelines, while the 2 to 18 years and 0 to 18 years ranges do not align with the legal requirements established by IDEA, as they omit the critical years from 18 to 21 during which individuals can still receive IEP services.