How much flexibility does a school have in deciding the specific location of special education services?
Placement decisions cannot be based solely on factors such as the availability of services, the eligibility category, or administrative convenience. However, an educational placement is not the same as the location of special education services. “Location” identifies the physical surroundings, like the classroom or building. “Placement” refers to the options offered in a comprehensive LRE continuum. School districts must assure the availability of a full continuum of placement options. While a district can place a child in a particular classroom or school based on the location of the services determined necessary, it cannot permit the availability of services to limit the LRE placement options. The challenge is to match the LRE placement indicated through the IEP process with the services delivered at a particular location. School districts have some flexibility in the determining where this is best accomplished. However, it is expected that, to the extent possible, students with disab
