What does Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) mean?

Your child with disabilities is entitled to FAPE. That means an education that is:

• Free of charge
• Appropriate – meaning that it is tailored to your child
• Public – meaning that public schools are responsible for providing it
• Education designed for your child’s needs

What does Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) mean?

Your child is entitled to get FAPE in the least restrictive environment possible. The goal is for a child with a disability to receive their education in a way that allows them to spend as much time as possible with their peers who don’t have disabilities. The first question you may want to ask is:

“What services and supports does my child need so they can spend as much time as possible in a regular education classroom?”

If your child’s disabilities are such that they can’t be taught in a regular education classroom even with supportive services, then you and the IEP team can talk about alternatives. This may include your child spending some or all of their day in a special education classroom or separate school. The goal is to find the right balance where your child can be successful while still allowing them to spend as much time as possible with their peers who don’t have disabilities.