VA SB678

Establishes comprehensive definitions and educational rights for children with disabilities ages 2-21, aligning Virginia law with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements for free appropriate public education.

Requires children with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment, meaning with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, with removal to separate settings only when regular classroom education with supplementary aids cannot succeed.

Mandates development, review, and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) for each child with disabilities, including procedural safeguards for children and parents and non-discriminatory evaluation procedures.

Establishes qualification standards for special education personnel, including teachers, related services providers, and paraprofessionals, to ensure they have appropriate training and content knowledge to serve children with disabilities.

Requires smooth transitions for children moving from early intervention programs (Part C, birth to age 3) into preschool programs, with IEPs developed and implemented by each child's third birthday.