What is Residential Placement?

A residential school can be an affiliate of a non-public school that supports students with higher-level needs. Residential placements are the most restrictive placement and often offer programs for students with disabilities to live in while receiving specialized education with additional supportive services.

Your child’s IEP team may consider a residential placement if:

• The team has tried to implement the student's IEP with additional aides and support services, but doing so didn't yield any educational benefit.
• The student did not benefit from any specialized day programs (e.x., leaving general education classes to attend different special education programs).
• The student’s mental health or medical needs require more extensive support than what can be provided in any other educational setting.
• Outside agencies and professionals recommend that the student attends a residential program.

If a residential placement is decided by the IEP team, the district is required to cover the cost. The student’s IEP will still be the responsibility of the child’s district of residence. However, the district has the option to let the residential school take control of the IEP. Yet, the school district of residence still remains responsible for ensuring that your child’s needs are being met. A residential school placement should be located within close proximity to the county you reside in. However, if no nearby placement is identified there is a chance that the public school could recommend a residential school hours away or out of state.

For more, see our article Placement Options and the Least Restrictive Environment.