The law says that children with disabilities must be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) that will meet their needs. This means that public schools are required to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities and place them in a classroom with their nondisabled peers to the greatest extent possible. But how can you actually use this law to advocate for your child, and what are the limitations?
We talked to Dr. Sarah Pelangka, special education advocate, BCBA-D, and owner of KnowIEPs, about understanding FAPE and LRE, especially when it comes to developing an IEP. Here are the top three takeaways for parents to know!
During our live event, questions about different placement options in an IEP (such as special day classes, push-in therapy services, and gen ed classrooms with modifications) came up in the chat. Lillian A. asked, "Isn't it true that 'placement' doesn't really refer to a physical place or school? It's more about the type of program and services a student is receiving?"
Heather H. answered, "The service is not a place. They can bring the service to the child if it’s reasonable." Dr. Pelangka agreed: "Correct, location and placement are not synonymous. Goals and services drive placement!"
What does that mean? Listen to Dr. Pelangka's explanation in this clip about how placement and location are different aspects of an IEP and why parents should understand them:
Save your favorite resources and access a custom Roadmap.
Get Started
