What does an IDEA IEP team primarily determine?

The primary role of an IDEA Individualized Education Program (IEP) team is to determine the child’s least restrictive environment (LRE). The LRE concept is rooted in the idea that students with disabilities should be educated with their typically developing peers to the greatest extent appropriate. This means that the IEP team assesses the child's specific needs and decides on the most suitable educational setting that allows the child to participate in the general education curriculum while receiving the necessary specialized services.

The determination of the least restrictive environment fosters inclusion and ensures that students with disabilities have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers. This involves considering various factors, such as the severity of the child’s disability, the types of services needed, and how those services can be delivered while still supporting inclusion.

While eligibility for special education services and the types of services a child will receive are important components of the IEP process, the consideration of LRE is a foundational aspect that impacts all these factors. Additionally, classroom placements for all students may not pertain specifically to the IEP team, which focuses on the individual needs of a child with disabilities rather than the broader student population. Hence, the primary focus of the IEP team is on how to best support each unique learner within the framework