Determining Placement

Once the IEP has been approved and signed by the school and the parent, the IEP team decides where the child’s individualized needs (IEP) can be met in the least restrictive environment (LRE). LRE means that children with disabilities are to be educated in the regular classroom with children who do not have disabilities to the extent appropriate to meet their educational needs. LRE is not a place, but rather a continuum of settings. When a child can’t be educated appropriately in the regular classroom, alternative placements must be made available by the team.

Continuum for Preschool aged Children

  • Early Childhood Program
  • Home
  • Early Childhood Special Education Program
  • Service Provider Location
  • Separate School
  • Residential Setting

School Aged Continuum (6 - 21)

    • Regular Education Setting
    • Resource Room
    • Self-Contained Special Education Class
    • Separate Approved Special Education Program/School
    • Residential Placement
    • Home Instruction
    • Hospital or institution

When a child with a disability, ages 6-21, requires home instruction, with very limited exceptions, the child must be provided with a full day of instruction.

Next Step – Monitoring