As a parent of a child receiveing special education services, it can be stressful when you feel your child’s classroom placement isn’t supporting their growth and success. If your child has been placed in a resource room but you believe they should be in a general education classroom, you are not alone. Many parents face similar challenges while navigating the complexities of special education. The good news is that you have options, and you can advocate for the placement that best meets your child’s needs.
In this post, we’ll explore what you need to know about the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), your rights, and steps you can take to help your child get the education they deserve.
What Is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with disabilities must be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means that, unless specified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), your child should spend as much time as possible with peers who do not have disabilities. The special education resource room or a separate setting should only be considered if the general education environment cannot meet their needs or if they require specific supports not available in a regular classroom.
In short, the general education classroom is the first option, and other placements, like the resource room, should only be used when absolutely necessary.
What’s the Right Placement for Your Child?
When determining the best placement for your child, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure they are receiving the support they need to thrive. Here are key areas to evaluate when making decisions about whether a general education classroom or a resource room is the best
fit:
1. Education Benefits
How do the educational benefits compare between a general education classroom and the
resource room, especially with the appropriate supports in place? Consider the following:
Curriculum Access: Is the curriculum in the resource room aligned with what’s being taught in the general education classroom? Are there any gaps in the learning opportunities your child could be missing out on by being pulled out?
Aids and Services: Will your child receive the necessary aids and services in a
general education classroom to succeed? Which environment provides your child
with the most educational growth and development?
2. Non-Academic Benefits
Beyond academics, consider the other important aspects of your child’s education:
Social Development: Does the general education classroom offer opportunities for
your child to interact with peers? Are they missing key social development by being
placed in a separate setting like the resource room?
Motivation and Engagement: How does your child respond to the resource room
environment? Are they motivated and engaged, or do they feel isolated and struggle
with lack of academic challenge?
3. Impact on Classroom
It’s also important to consider the potential impact on the classroom environment. Will your
child’s presence in the general education classroom disrupt the teacher or other students? If
so, how significant is the disruption, and how can it be minimized with the right supports in
place?
4. Placement Prohibitions
When making placement decisions, it’s important to remember that placement cannot be
based solely on certain factors. These include:
The category or severity of your child’s disability
The delivery system or configuration of services
The availability of special education services or related services
The availability of space in a classroom
Administrative convenience
The decision must focus on what is best for your child’s overall development and needs, not on these administrative or logistical considerations.
Your Rights as a Parent
As a parent, you have the right to advocate for your child’s educational placement. If you feel that your child would thrive in a general education setting, you have a voice in the decision- making process.
Here are a few important things to remember:
IEP Meetings: The IEP team (which includes you, teachers, and other professionals) should meet regularly to review your child’s progress and make necessary adjustments. You can request a meeting at any time if you feel the current placement is not working.
Request a Re-evaluation: If you believe your child’s needs have changed, you can request a re-evaluation. This may include assessments to determine whether a general education classroom could better support their learning.
Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE): If you disagree with the
school’s evaluation, you have the right to request a publicly funded IEE from an
independent professional.
Push for Inclusion: The LRE requirement stresses inclusion in general education as much as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask, “What supports can we put in place to help my child succeed in a general education setting?”
How to Advocate for a General Education Placement
If you believe your child should be in a general education classroom, here’s how to advocate
effectively:
1. Understand Your Child’s Needs: Review your child’s IEP and understand the supports they need. Bring examples of how they succeed with accommodations, whether at home or in other settings.
2. Document Concerns and Progress: Keep detailed records of your child’s progress and struggles. Track how the current placement is impacting them and bring this documentation to IEP meetings to build your case.
3. Request a Trial Period: Ask for a trial period in a general education setting. This allows
everyone to observe how your child fares with the necessary supports in place before
making a final decision.
4. Collaborate with Teachers and Staff: Work closely with your child’s teachers and support staff. Ask for recommendations and show that you are committed to finding solutions for your child’s success.
5. Know Your Rights: You have the right to disagree with the school’s placement recommendations. If the team is not providing an appropriate placement, you can request mediation or file a due process complaint with the help of a special education attorney.
What Happens Next?
After the IEP meeting or re-evaluation, the team will determine the next steps. If they agree to move your child to a general education classroom, additional planning will likely be required to implement the necessary supports and accommodations. If the team decides to maintain your child’s placement in the resource room, they should provide clear reasoning as to why this is the best option based on your child’s unique needs.
If you disagree with the school's decision, you have the right to challenge it. Consider reaching out to a special education attorney to discuss whether filing a due process complaint is the right course of action for your situation.
Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. If you disagree with the placement decision, you have the right to push for a change that aligns with your child’s strengths and goals.
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