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Educational Placement

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Overview

In an IEP, placement refers to the setting where a student will be educated. School districts are legally obligated to place a student in the least restrictive environment (LRE) where they will receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). In these resources, parents can learn more about what these terms mean, what some common placement options are, and how to advocate for placements that set our kids up for success.

What does the least restrictive environment mean?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 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 non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible. Check out our article about educational placement to see what options may be available for your child.

Contents

Overview

What does the least restrictive environment mean?

How can I determine if a placement is appropriate for my child?

When can I disagree with the recommended placement?

Where will my child receive special education services?

The Basics: Placement in an IEP

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Least Restrictive Environment and Placement Options in an IEP

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3 Things an IEP Expert Wants Parents to Know About FAPE and LRE

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Background and History of IDEA in Special Education

Parent Advocacy and Inclusive Placement

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3 Tips from Parents for Advocating for Your Child in an IEP Meeting

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Do Schools Have to Offer Inclusive Extended School Year (ESY)?

Examples of Placement

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Homeschooling 101

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Home Hospital 101

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Non-Public School (NPS) 101

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Private School 101

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10 Most Sought-After Private Schools in the US for Kids with Disabilities

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Do Schools Have to Offer Inclusive Extended School Year (ESY)?

Related Parent Questions

Parent Question

What are the options for educational placements under an IEP?

Educational placement options in an IEP include instruction in a general education classroom, specialized classes, specialized schools, home instruction, and instruction in residential facilities.

Parent Question

Can I tour the schools/classrooms offered before the IEP team makes a placement decision?

When considering your child's placement, request to see any and all programs that may be of benefit to your child, and remember that what you’re requesting to see shouldn’t be more restrictive than what your child requires to access their education.

Parent Question

What is a Non-Public School (NPS)?

For students who require more support than what a general education setting can offer, non-public schools aim to provide specialized assistance.

Parent Question

What does the law say about the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?

IDEA states that every public agency (including public schools and districts) is required to ensure that children with disabilities be educated with children who are not disabled to the maximum extent appropriate.

Parent Question

Can a resource teacher "push in" to a general education classroom?

In the push-in model, the resource teacher can enter the student’s general education class to provide IEP goal support.

Parent Question

What is a Special Day Class (SDC)?

There are two types of Special Day Classes. Mild/Moderate Special Day Class is a more restrictive class, which uses the general education curriculum. Moderate/Severe SDC Class uses a modified curriculum, often called “Life Skills” or “Functional Skills.”

Related Video Clips

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What is the Least Restrictive Environment?

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Does a child have to earn their spot in a general education classroom?

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What does FAPE mean?

Latest Resources

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What to Do When It’s Not Working: Troubleshooting IEP Supports, Services, and More

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How to Tell If Your Child’s IEP Is Working as It Should

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8 Ways to Respond to Your IEP Team When You Disagree about Placement and Inclusion - “They Say, You Say” Part 4

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What to Do If Your Child’s Placement Isn’t Working

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How Do I Prove My District is in Violation of FAPE?

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School Placement Options When There's a Medical Crisis

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Parent Question

What kind of diploma can my child get from a non-public school (NPS)?

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Parent Question

How do I get a non-public school (NPS) placement for my child with an IEP?

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Parent Question

What is an Individualized Service Plan (ISP)?

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Parent Question

What kind of diploma can my child get from a private school?

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Parent Question

Can I get the school district to reimburse me for private school tuition?

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Parent Question

How can I get a private school placement for my child with an IEP?

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Parent Question

Can I pay for a private school or NPS with Self-Determination (SDP) funding?

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Parent Question

How do I find a list of non-public schools (NPS) for my child?

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Parent Question

What is a public charter homeschool program?

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Parent Question

Can my child get IEP services if they're homeschooled?

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Parent Question

What is a private school satellite programs (PSP)?

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Parent Question

What is a private school affidavit (PSA)?

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Least Restrictive Environment: Minutes & Placement Options

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Parent Question

Can my child get IEP services while in Home Hospital placement?

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Parent Question

When should I transition my child from homeschool to public school?

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Parent Question

How do I request a change of placement for my child?

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School Specialists Glossary

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District Responsibility in Providing Behavioral Supports

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Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

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