Which statement best describes the difference between eligibility decisions and eligibility determinations, and who makes each decision?

• A. Eligibility decisions determine whether a student has a disability and needs services; eligibility determinations decide the specific services and supports under IEP; both are made by the IEP team, including school personnel and parents
• B. Eligibility decisions determine whether a student is eligible for general education without supports
• C. Eligibility determinations are made by the school district alone
• D. Eligibility decisions are optional

Answer: (A)

Two related decisions shape how a student accesses services under IDEA. First, the team determines whether the student has a qualifying disability and whether special education services are needed. Once eligibility is established, the team then decides the specific services and supports the student will receive, as outlined in the IEP. Both steps are handled by the IEP team, which includes school personnel across disciplines and the parents. This collaboration ensures that the plan addresses both the eligibility to receive services and the precise services, supports, and accommodations needed. The other options misstate who makes these decisions or what is being decided, such as focusing on general education without supports, or suggesting the district decides alone or that eligibility decisions are optional.