When should student placement decisions be made in the IEP development process?

Student placement decisions in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) development process should be made after IEP goals have been established. This timing is essential because placement decisions are directly influenced by the specific educational goals and supports that have been identified for the student. The primary purpose of an IEP is to ensure that the student receives a free appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs.

Once the goals are established, the IEP team can consider where and how these goals will be most effectively met, taking into account the least restrictive environment. This means that the team can look at different placement options that allow the student to access their education while providing the necessary supports to achieve their goals.

Making placement decisions at this stage ensures that the chosen setting aligns with the educational objectives and the necessary services, ultimately facilitating better outcomes for the student. In contrast, other points in the process, such as upon identification of the student's disability or during the sign-off of the IEP document, do not allow for comprehensive consideration of how the placement will support the specific educational goals for the student.