Programming in the Least Restrictive Environment
NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAG
The Yarmouth School Department shall program for students with disabilities in the least restrictive educational environment that can appropriately address the students’ needs. Toward that end and to the maximum extent appropriate, the Yarmouth School Department shall ensure that students with disabilities, including students in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled. Special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of students with disabilities from the regular educational environment shall occur only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.
Determinations regarding programming in the least restrictive environment shall be made by the student’s Individualized Education Team (IEP) team and shall draw upon a multidisciplinary assessment of the student’s needs. The school unit shall make available, as appropriate, the full continuum of educational placements when making placement determinations.
The Superintendent, in consultation with the Director of Instructional Support, may develop and promulgate procedures for implementing this policy and may amend those procedures as necessary.
Legal Reference:
20 USC 1412(a)(5)
34 CFR 300.114
Ch. 101 §§ 11.1-11.3 (2010) (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules)
Cross-reference:
IHBAG-R Programming in the Least Restrictive Environment Administrative Procedure
Adopted: January 13, 2011
