There are more
placement options
than most families realize.
Most families belive there are only two choices.
General ed.
VS
Special ed.
The truth is there are many placement options
Although Placement options do vary by location we have provided you with the most common model.
Common Misconception
Having an IEP or 504 plan does NOT automatically mean a child is placed in a special ed classroom.
Many students with disabilities spend most—or even all—of their day in general education while receiving accommodations, specialized instruction, or related services.
The purpose of the continuum of educational placement options
The purpose of the continuum of educational placement options is
to identify the least restrictive environment (LRE) for each individual student.
Under IDEA, students with disabilities should be educated alongside students without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.
The right environment is not simply the least restrictive setting available—it is the setting where the student can access their education and make progress with the appropriate supports, services, and supplementary aids in place. The continuum gives the IEP Team options to consider because placement is not one-size-fits-all. The goal is to determine how the student can be successfully supported in a less restrictive environment before considering a more restrictive placement.
Educational Environment Explorer™
Navigate every placement. Understand every option. Advocate with confidence.
General Education
Consultative
CoTeaching
Collaborative
Supportive Instruction
Small Group
Home Instruction
Separate Classroom
Separate School
Residential
Hospital Short Term
Hospital Intermittent
1. General Education
Instruction provided in the general education classroom with a general education teacher.
WHAT IT MEANS
Your child receives instruction in the general education classroom and participates alongside their peers without disabilities.
supports may be provided through accommodations modifications consultation or other indirect support as needed.
LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT (LRE)
Schools consider this the least restrictive environment on the continuum.
Who It May Be Best For
-
Students who can access to general curriculum with or without accommodations.
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Students who benefit from typical peer interactions.
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Students needing minimal specialized instruction
TYPICAL SETTING
Typically 20 - 30 students.
1 General Education Teacher
QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS TO ASK:
-
What supports have been identified to help my child access and make progress in this classroom?
-
How will the team know whether these supports are working?
Although Placement options do vary by location we have provided you with the most common model.
What's available in my district?
This general template is provided for educational and organizational purposes. Families should personalize it based on their child’s circumstances.
Subject: Request for Written Information Regarding the District's Continuum of Special Education Placements
Dear [Special Education Director/Case Manager/IEP Team],
I hope you are doing well.
To help us become fully informed members of our child's IEP Team, we are requesting copies of any written materials that describe the district's continuum of special education placements and programs.
If available, please provide electronic or printable copies of any of the following:
-
The district's continuum of placements or continuum of services document.
-
Program descriptions or brochures for each special education placement or instructional program.
-
Any manuals, guidance documents, or informational materials provided to staff or families describing the district's special education placement options.
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Any charts, handouts, or reference materials explaining the various instructional settings, specialized programs, or service delivery models available within the district.
If these materials are available on the district's website, we would appreciate receiving the applicable links. If no written documents exist, please let us know that in writing.
Our intent is simply to better understand the full continuum of placements available within the district so that we can participate as fully informed members of the IEP Team and meaningfully engage in discussions regarding our child's educational program and placement. We believe having access to the district's existing written materials will help us better understand the options available and contribute productively to future IEP meetings.
We understand that placement decisions are made individually by the IEP Team based on each student's unique needs. This request is not for a placement recommendation, but rather for copies of any existing district materials describing the educational options available to students with disabilities.
Thank you for your time and assistance. We appreciate your response and look forward to receiving the requested information.
Sincerely,
[Parent Name]
[Student Name]
