What services are available for a 2-year-old with cerebral palsy under IDEA?

The correct answer is early intervention services. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), early intervention is designed to support the developmental needs of infants and toddlers, including those with conditions like cerebral palsy. These services typically target areas such as communication, physical skills, social-emotional development, and adaptive behaviors.

Early intervention programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and can include a variety of services, delivered in natural settings, such as home or community environments. They focus on enhancing development during critical early years, ensuring that children with disabilities and their families are supported in achieving developmental milestones.

While special education may also play a role later, particularly as the child approaches school age, early intervention is specifically geared towards children from birth to age three. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is not applicable for children under three years old; instead, they receive an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Behavioral therapy may be one of the interventions used within early intervention programs but does not encompass the full range of services provided. Thus, early intervention is the most appropriate answer for a 2-year-old with cerebral palsy under IDEA.