This helps make sure that disabled students are included in the general education classes are not kept away from their peers. Unless absolutely necessary, children with disabilities should be educated with their peers. When people hear the term special education, many of them think about separate schools or classes. However, public schools are supposed to have children who receive special education services learn in the same classrooms as their peers as much as possible. LRE is a vital part of the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act), the U.S. special education law. The word environment may sound like a place. But where a kid learns is just part of the equation. The least restrictive environment applies to a kid’s entire education program, including services.

A student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) describes his/her special education and associated services. The IEP also has to address LRE. And the IEP has to explain if and why a kid is being placed outside of a general education classroom.

The IDEA has two vital requirements for a kid’s placement:

·         A kid with an IEP should be with children in general education to the maximum extent that’s appropriate.

·         Separate schools, removal from the general education class, or special classes should only happen when a kid’s thinking or learning difference is so acute that supplementary aids and services cannot provide the kid with an appropriate education.

Here, the word “appropriate” means what’s right or suitable for children. Sometimes, a specific program or service cannot be provided in a general education classroom.

IDEA doesn’t explain the LRE for each kind of disability. There isn’t only one “right” environment for all children. Sometimes, it might be better or more suitable for a kid to learn separately. The objective is to ensure that children who get special education are placed in the general education classroom as frequently as possible.

Here’re some common least restrictive environment scenarios.

·         A kid spends the whole day in a general education class and receives support and services such as assistive technology, a teacher or aide, accommodations, or related services.

·         A kid spends part of the day in a general education class. The kid receives some small-group or individual instruction in a special education class or is withdrawn from the class for some services.

·         Special education class is a program with specialized instruction for children with similar learning needs.

·         There’re also specialized programs that occur outside of the school district.