What Is the Least Restrictive Environment?

Some people insist that the least restrictive environment is always the regular classroom. Full inclusion in the regular classroom is always the best placement for every child. But is that necessarily true? While it is true that many children with learning disabilities can learn in the regular classroom with support such as collaboration, some students founder and fail. Others, especially older students, object to getting extra attention in front of their non-disabled classmates. Some student's physical needs are so significant that placement in a regular classroom is embarrassing to them. The answer is that there is no single placement that is always appropriate for every child all the time.

During your child's initial placement meeting or during his annual review, the IEP team will discuss his progress, his learning needs, and his educational placement. Federal special education regulations require that students be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Learn what LRE means, how it is determined, and what placement options can be considered for your child.