Individuals with Disabilities Education Act supports Inclusion
IDEA is a law that makes sure children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is one of the six parts of IDEA.
Least Restrictive Environment states that: Children with disabilities should learn with their non-disabled peers as much as possible.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE):
- It is not a specific place.
- Is determined through the child’s IEP.
- It is an ideal learning environment for the child.
- Every child’s needs are different, so the LRE can vary.
An inclusive classroom is a classroom that includes children with and without disabilities. Some children may leave the classroom to receive their services, while some children may receive a service in the classroom as part of the classroom routine. Inclusion means that children spend most of their day in the regular classroom with their peers.
When a child’s needs are too high for a regular classroom, they may need to be placed in a special class or school that offers smaller class sizes and more support.
The goal is always to find the best learning environment for each child.
Link: Inclusion Is A Right! – video ( to watch the video, go the the page, find the title, and then click the plus sign to open the video).
Resources: Least Restrictive Environment a form that families can use to consider what support their child might need to be educated in an inclusive setting.
Next Topic: Advocating for Inclusion
Hello,
I am so happy you are visiting the Early Childhood Insights blog! I’d like to tell you a bit about myself—I’m a mother to two grown boys and a grandma. I have taught second grade and worked as a special education advocate helping families. I enjoy helping families navigate their children’s educational journey. I have personally experienced the journey of special education with my son. I now know that I could have done more to help him earlier if I had known more. My passion is introducing families to topics early on and prompting them to ask questions to those working with their child. I encourage and support them to become informed parents. Information is power, and you are your child’s best advocate. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have.
Marcie Beers, Project Manager, Early Childhood Center IIDC, Mother, Special Education Advocate
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