The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) supports students, families and local education agencies (LEAs) in providing the least restrictive environment (LRE) for their students. Guidance and recommendations are provided to LEAs when students with disabilities enrolled in their LEA may require placement in a nonpublic special education school. If a student requires such a placement, OSSE works directly with LEAs, families, and nonpublic schools to identify and facilitate admission in a nonpublic special education school that meets the student’s specific needs and holds an OSSE issued Certificate of Approval (COA). OSSE also collaborates with other child-serving agencies in the District when students are placed in residential facilities.

To submit a request or for questions about a change in placement for a child with a disability to a more restrictive environment outside the LEA, please contact Katie Reda, special education placement manager, at (202) 481-3926 or [email protected].

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 USC §1412(a)(11)), states are responsible for the implementation of a general supervision system which includes monitoring the implementation of the IDEA Part B and its accompanying regulations. Local regulations are provided by Title 38 of the District of Columbia Official Code and Title 5 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). OSSE, in its advisory role to the individualized education program (IEP) team, provides technical assistance related to ensuring the education of students with their non-disabled peers in the LRE.

Contact Us

For questions or additional information, please email [email protected].

Placement Oversight is administered by OSSE’s Office of Special Education within the Division of Systems and Supports, K-12.

[Date Posted: Dec. 20, 2022]