Least restrictive environment (LRE)

The least restrictive environment (LRE) is a rule in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It says a child with a disability should learn with children without disabilities as much as is appropriate for that child. A more separate setting is used only when your child's needs mean regular classes can't work well enough, even with extra aids and services. That might be a special class, a special school or teaching at home.

The U.S. Department of Education calls this a strong preference, not a mandate, for regular classes. Schools must still keep more separate options open. They also have to weigh any possible harm to your child or to the services they need. So LRE is a way of choosing a setting, not one fixed place. The regular setting includes lunch and recess as well as the classroom.

A team that includes you decides your child's placement at least once a year. The choice is based on your child's individualized education program (IEP), not the disability label. The setting should also be as close to home as possible. Your child shouldn't be moved out of a regular class only because the curriculum needs changes. The IEP must say how much of the day, if any, your child will spend apart from classmates without disabilities.

• What was tried first: Ask the IEP team which aids and services, such as visual supports, were tried in the regular class before a more separate setting came up.
• Time apart from classmates: Ask how much of the day your child will spend apart from classmates without disabilities, and why.
• Your own notes: Ask your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) which therapy data could help you at the IEP meeting.