Helping Parents Understand Least Restrictive Educational Environment

There are many parts of an Individual Educational Plan. Teachers and educators have access to the information, so parents should also. Knowing the different aspects of an IEP can help you to ask the correct questions to ask your child at his next child study team meeting. One of the most important aspects understands what least restrictive environment means and what this entails.

Every student in each school district needs education in the best and least restrictive environment. According to Wright's Law, this means, "school districts are required to educate students with disabilities in regular classrooms with their nondisabled peers, in the school they would attend if not disabled, to the maximum extent appropriate." If your child can attend a regular classroom, he should. If a part time program is the best option, he needs this type of classroom. As far as possible, the child should be mainstreamed or placed in classrooms with regular education students. As parents of special educations students know, sometimes this is not in the best interest of the child. However many higher functioning students can benefit from at least partial time spent in regular classrooms.

The classroom placements under least restrictive policies can include a full time special education classroom, a full time regular inclusion classroom, or a regular classroom with daily or weekly pullout special education classes. The last option, pull out classes are often used with gifted children, as they are also considered to be special education. Inclusion classroom have a certified special education teacher, in addition to a regular classroom teacher. Her job is to assist all students, making accommodations and modifications for the special education children in the class. This teacher might also work one on one with special education students to provide them with additional instruction. This is becoming the preferred educational setting for higher functioning special education students.

Team members will also discuss other issues related to least restrictive environment, including what other type of services the student receives, educational issues with placing a child in the least restrictive environment, what activities a child can participate in, regardless of their disability, and which education domains the least restrictive environment will address. These domains refer to the child's learning environment, their social and emotional behavior and independent functioning skills.

Remember that according to state and federal laws, your child has the right for least restrictive educational placement. Also, be willing to work with the educators in making the best-informed decision for your child. Sometimes, a regular classroom will not serve a child's needs. Knowing you have options, help a parent to better assist their child and teacher in making informed decisions.

(http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/lre.index.htm)