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 (DHH) could attend. When an IEP team makes the decisions about placement, the team must consider the continuum of services for students who are DHH. 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 DHH Continuum of Services from the Florida’s Educational Opportunities for Students with Sensory Impairments booklet:
Related Resources
Statutes, 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
Videos, Handouts, 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 Educational Resources
- RMTC-DHH’s TA-Live! Webinar “What is ‘Special’ about Special Education for Students who are DHH?”
- RMTC-DHH FAQs on Educational Policy, Placement, and Procedures
The information contained in the FAQs does not constitute legal advice. RMTC-DHH does not endorse or sponsor any one product. Please refer to the original sources listed in each FAQ for more information.
- Policy, Placement, and Procedures