Step 6: How does the Special Education process work?
In addition to goals and objectives, the IEP also describes special education and related services to be provided and the amount of participation in general education programs. The amount of time your child will be spending with children who do not have a disability is an important consideration; it is referred to as placement in the least restrictive environment. The law states:
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT APPROPRIATE, STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES MUST HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS IN GENERAL EDUCATION WITH NONDISABLED AGE-APPROPRIATE PEERS.
The IEP team must consider:
- delivery of special education in a general classroom environment
- placement in home school
- travel time required for placements and transportation needs
- non-academic and extracurricular activities with nondisabled peers
- delivery of special education services with age-appropriate peers
The committee must document reasons for selecting the placement environment.
Placement Options
In determining the least restrictive environment, a continuum of services is reviewed. These options include:
Program Considerations
- General Education with Special Education Support -Consultation
- General Education with Special Education Support -Direct Instruction/Collaboration
- Special Education Instruction in a Self-Contained Special Education Program
- Special Education Instruction in a Comprehensive Special Education Program
Location Considerations
- Home School--General Classroom
- Home School-General Classroom and Special Classroom
- Home School--Special Classroom
- Regional Special Class in a Regular School
- Special Education Center
- Specialized Day School
- Residential Treatment Center
- Home or Hospital
The Washington County Public Schools maintain a commitment to a continuum of services in neighborhood schools with the goal of providing services in the least restrictive environment. Service options outside of the neighborhood school include specialized county classes in regular schools, center-based programs at Marshall Street School and the Job Development Center, and programs and support services through private providers. These intensive program options are available as needed by students and as identified by the LEP team. The LEP team in the neighborhood school develops goals and plans programs for individual students.
To learn more about the placement options, parents may contact their child's special education case manager.