WAC 392-172A-02055. Continuum of alternative placements

(1) Each school district shall ensure that a continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the special education and related services needs of students eligible for special education services between the ages of three and twenty-one years old. (2) The continuum required in this section for eligible students kindergarten (including five year olds in kindergarten) through age twenty-one must: (a) Include the placements listed in the definition of special education services in WAC 392-172A-01175 , such as instruction in general education classes, special education classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals and institutions; and (b) Make provision for supplementary services such as resource room or itinerant instruction to be provided in conjunction with general education classroom placement. (3) The continuum of alternative placements a public agency providing special education and related services to a preschool child with a disability may include, but is not limited to, the following: (a) Providing opportunities for the participation of preschool children with disabilities in preschool programs operated by public agencies other than school districts (such as head start or community-based child care); (b) Enrolling preschool children with disabilities in private preschool programs for nondisabled preschool children; (c) Locating classes for preschool children with disabilities in regular public elementary schools; and (d) Providing services and instruction in the home. (4) If a public agency determines that placement in a private preschool program is necessary for a child with a disability to receive FAPE, the public agency must make that program available at no cost to the parent.