FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

What did P.L. 99-457 mandate regarding special education programs?

1. Programs must begin for children ages 3-5.

2. Programs are only required for children ages 6-12.

3. Programs are offered only for children with diagnosed disabilities.

4. Programs must include vocational training for teenagers.

The correct answer is: Programs must begin for children ages 3-5.

P.L. 99-457, also known as the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, was significant in expanding the scope of special education services. One of its key mandates was the requirement for states to provide services to children with disabilities from ages 3 to 5. This was a pivotal shift that recognized the importance of early intervention and education for young children with disabilities, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and development. Early educational programs are crucial as they help in the development of critical skills at a time when children's brains are rapidly growing and developing. This focus on services for younger children marked an important step in ensuring that children with disabilities could access appropriate educational opportunities as early as possible, promoting better outcomes and enhancing their readiness for school.