Children with special health care needs include all children who have, or are at increased risk for, chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally. It is estimated that 18 million children in the United States have these special health needs.

-The Division of Services for Children with Special Health Needs
at the Maternal and Child Health Bureau

Most children with special health care needs will require an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP) in addition to their Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.

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