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OSERS: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
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OSEP Mission Statement

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. OSEP administers the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA authorizes formula grants to states, and discretionary grants to institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations to support research, demonstrations, technical assistance and dissemination, technology and personnel development and parent-training and information centers. These programs are intended to ensure that the rights of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and their parents are protected. OSEP accomplishes this mission by

  • Developing, communicating and disseminating federal policy and information on early intervention and the education of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities;

  • Administering formula grants and discretionary programs authorized by Congress;

  • Fostering and supporting research and the development of knowledge and innovations to improve results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities;

  • Promoting and supporting the training of educational, related services, and leadership personnel, and parents and volunteers;

  • Evaluating, monitoring and reporting on the implementation of federal policy and programs and the effectiveness of early intervention and educational efforts for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and,

  • Coordinating with other federal agencies, state agencies, and the private sector including parent and professional organizations, private schools, and organizations of persons with disabilities for the review of policy, program planning and implementation issues.
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Last Modified: 07/08/2004