What criteria must be satisfied for a child to qualify for special education services?

A child must have a qualifying disability that adversely affects their educational performance to qualify for special education services. This criterion is central to ensuring that the child receives the support and resources needed to access the curriculum and achieve educational goals. The presence of a disability can manifest in various ways, impacting areas such as learning, behavior, communication, or mobility.

To qualify, the disability must significantly affect the child's ability to perform in a traditional educational setting, thus necessitating tailored interventions and accommodations to promote their learning. This process typically involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify the nature of the disability and its impact on educational performance.

The other options do not accurately reflect the criteria for special education eligibility. High academic performance, minority background, and enrollment in a public school do not correlate with the need for special education services, as the focus is solely on the child's individual needs stemming from a recognized disability.