What did the 1986 Education of the Handicapped Amendment require for children 3-5 with disabilities?

The choice indicating that the 1986 Education of the Handicapped Amendment required free public education (FAPE) for children aged 3 to 5 with disabilities is correct. This amendment expanded upon previous educational legislation by emphasizing the need for children with disabilities to have access to a free appropriate public education. This shift reflected an increased recognition of the importance of early education in helping children with disabilities develop essential skills and prepare for future schooling experiences. The law mandated that states ensure that children in this age group receive services that meet their unique needs, thus promoting inclusivity and support in educational settings from a young age.

This requirement is foundational as it sets the stage for similar mandates in later legislation, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their abilities, have access to quality education.