251300000X - Local Education Agency (LEA)

Updated on October 19, 2025. Version 23.1

The term local education agency means a public board of education or other public authority legally constituted within a State to either provide administrative control or direction of, or perform a service function for public schools serving individuals ages 0 - 21 in a state, city, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision including a combination of school districts or counties recognized in a State as an administrative agency for its public schools. An LEA may provide, or employ professional who provide, services to children included in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), such services may include, but are not limited to, such medical services as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Source: Portions of IDEA Regulations Part B (34 CFR Part 300.18, Assistance to States for the Education of Children with Disabilities) [1/1/2006: new]