IEP Placement Decisions

IEP Placement Decisions - The Least Restrictive Environment:

Placement - [n] the act of putting something in a certain place or location (WordNet Dictionary @ hyperdictionary.com).

In regard to IEPs, "placement" is where your child will be, or go, when receiving instruction. Placement can be in any place within the school, within the community, and even at home. Placement may be in a private school, at a private practitioner's location, at your home, in the regular classroom, in specialized classrooms, or any other place where instruction may be provided.

IDEA code section §300.551 Continuum of alternative placements states: "Each public agency shall ensure that a continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the needs of children with disabilities for special education and related services." The continuum must— (1) Include the alternative placements listed under §300.26 (instruction in regular classes, special classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals and institutions); and (2) Make provision for supplementary services (such as resource room or itinerant instruction) to be provided in conjunction with regular class placement.".

So what, exactly, is a "continuum"? According to the WordNet Dictionary @ hyperdictionary.com it is: "a continuous nonspatial whole or extent or succession in which no part or portion is distinct of distinguishable from adjacent parts."

In relation to "placement", this means a child can have any form of instruction she needs, from one-on-one instruction, before or after school tutoring, small group instruction in one or more subjects, to complete inclusion in the regular classroom with significant supports and services. Whatever placement a child needs should be provided.

Quiz Question

Previous Next