Presented is a position paper concerning commitments and responsibilities to exceptional children which was prepared by the Policies Commission at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and a policy statement on governmental affairs developed by the CEC Legislative Committee. A brief policy statement follows discussion of each of the following topics in the position paper: the goal of special education, implementation of universal education (compulsory services and compulsory attendance), early and continuing education, the maintenance of attendance (school excuse, exclusion, and expulsion), the relations of special and regular school programs, the placement of children in special school programs, elimination of the labeling and categorizing of children, the need for flexibility and development in special educational services, the role of schools in the provision of comprehensive services, the relationship between the school and the family, the responsibilities of higher educational institutions, and levels of governmental responsibility for the support of special education. The policy statement considers the desired scope of programs for exceptional children and youth; governmental responsibility at federal, state, and local levels; the responsibility of the private sector; the preparation and utilization of personnel; research and dissemination; program evaluation; interagency and interdisciplinary cooperation; the responsibilities of CEC, and special concerns related to minority groups. (GW)