Ensuring that every preschool child with a disability is educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) is a critical part of the Individual Education Program (IEP) team process. To support this work, the Department of Children and Youth offers tools to help teams understand and apply the Preschool Continuum of LRE Placement Options.
Ohio’s Operating Standards require IEP teams to begin by considering the general education setting the child would attend if they were not disabled. All placement options must be available, and any decision to remove a child from peers or typical routines must be individually justified in the IEP. This ensures decisions are based on each child’s unique needs.
To assist teams, three helpful resources are available:
- Preschool LRE Guiding Questions (Optional Form) – supports structured discussion and documentation of placement decisions.
- Universal Support: “The Essential Preschool IEP Part 3: Transportation and Least Restrictive Environment” – offers additional guidance and clarification for IEP teams.
- PSE 101 – Preschool Special Education 101: Delivery of Services – offers guidance on what special education supports and services will be delivered and where children with disabilities will receive their special education and related services.
These tools can help teams make informed decisions that best support each child’s learning and development.