What is “Placement” and what are placement options for students who are D/HH?

Placement is the least restrictive environment (LRE) in which the child receives special education and related services. There are different types of schools and programs that students who are deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) could attend. When an IEP team makes the decisions about placement, the team must consider the continuum of services for students who are D/HH. This continuum includes the different options where students can receive services. This includes placements such as

a general education classroom,
a general education classroom, with some services being delivered in a resource room,
a self-contained classroom,
a special education school,
at home, and
in a hospital or other public or private institution.

According to Chapter 1003.57, Florida Statute (F.S.):

c. “Regular class” means a class in which a student spends 80 percent or more of the school week with nondisabled peers.

d. “Resource room” means a classroom in which a student spends between 40 percent to 80 percent of the school week with nondisabled peers.

e. “Separate class” means a class in which a student spends less than 40 percent of the school week with nondisabled peers.

See below for the D/HH Continuum of Services from the Florida’s Educational Opportunities for Students with Sensory Impairments booklet:

D/HH Continuum of Services pyramid with largest section at the top and smallest section at the bottom. From largest to smallest as follows: Itinerant Services, Resource Room Instruction, Self-Contained Class at School, Special Day School, Residential School, Special Classes and Individual Instruction Not at School.

See more under the FAQ “What is the LRE for students who are D/HH?”

Supporting Resources:

Statutes, Technical Assistance Papers (TAPs), other legal references	U.S. Department of Education: Policy Letter on LRE Education Deaf Student Services Guidelines Dear Colleague Letter Frequently Asked Questions on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools “Meeting the Communication Needs of Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities” Fact Sheet Florida Statute 1003.57 Florida’s Educational Opportunities for Students with Sensory Impairments FLDOE’s Deaf/Hard of Hearing Webpage
Other resources	NASDSE’s Optimizing Outcomes for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Educational Service Guidelines Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss Clerc Center’s Laws Impacting Students who are D/HH RMTC-D/HH’s LRE FAQ
Online PD	Clerc Center’s Educational Resources RMTC-D/HH’s TA-Live! Webinar “What is ‘Special’ about Special Education for Students who are D/HH?”

The information contained in the FAQs does not constitute legal advice. Please refer to the original sources listed in each FAQ for more information.