What this means
IDEA requires that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children who are nondisabled. Removal from the regular educational environment occurs only when education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.
This does not translate into "every child should be in general education all day." Placement must be individualized, based on the child's needs and IEP.
The IEP must include an explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in relevant extracurricular and nonacademic activities.
It can help to think about the whole school day: where your child spends different parts of it, where nondisabled peers are, and what supports apply in those settings. Lunch, recess, physical education, electives, clubs, assemblies and athletics may raise access or support questions. Not every child needs supports in every setting.
What you may see
- A description of time spent in the regular educational environment
- An explanation of any time spent outside it, and why
- Attention to nonacademic and extracurricular activities
- Supports that apply in specific settings rather than across the whole day
Questions to consider
- What supports were considered to help my child participate in the regular education environment?
- What supports travel with my child across the school day?
- Are there parts of the school day or school activities we have not discussed?
- How was this placement decision connected to my child's individual needs and IEP?
What you may want to write down
- The day as described to you
- Activities you want to be sure are covered
- Anything your child tells you about parts of the day that are hard
Sources and review
Last reviewed: September 10, 2026. This page was reviewed by IEP Pathway against the sources below. State, district and school practices can differ from the federal baseline, so confirm local procedures with your school or state education agency.
Sources
Important note
This site provides educational information, organizational tools and printable resources. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, any school district, government agency, attorney, law firm or advocacy organization. For advice about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.
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