Alternative Placements

What is the Continuum of Alternative Placements?

Under Federal and State laws, schools must maintain a full range of placement options to meet the individual needs of the students with disabilities. The primary laws governing this placement option are 34 C.F.R. § 300.115, of the 20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(5) (IDEA), and 8 NYCRR § 200.6, which provide that each public agency (LEA) must,

“…ensure that a continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the needs of children with disabilities for special education and related services.”

In NYS, 8 NYCRR § 200.6(a)(1) expands on the federal continuum, including specific services like resource room and integrated co-teaching. These services shall include specifically designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including instruction conducted in the following ways.