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The 2004 IDEA reauthorization-the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004), was signed into law on December 3, 2004. The IDEA changes, unless otherwise specified, take effect on July 1, 2005. IDEA Purposes: A) To ensure that children with disabilities have a Free Appropriate Public Education available to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. B) To ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected. C) To assist states in the implementation of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multi-disciplinary, interagency system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. D) To ensure that educators and parents have the necessary tools to improve educational results for children with disabilities. E) To assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities.