Education Settings, Placement in

Placement describes the type of educational environment where a student who is eligible for special education and related services (pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq.) receives these services. Placement is closely tied to the “least restrictive environment” provision, which ensures that “[t]o the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled.” 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(5)(A).

The U.S. Department of Education has clarified that placement is an environment, not a specific classroom or school. States must maintain a continuum of placements, allowing for a various levels of integration with students who are not disabled. Placements options are categorized as:

• General education setting ...