Law and Regulations on Natural Environments

TITLE I / C
632 / 1 / 4 / (G) To the maximum extent appropriate, are provided in natural environments, including the home, and community settings in which children without disabilities participate;

635 / a / (16) Policies and procedures to ensure that, consistent with section 636(d)(5)--

1. to the maximum extent appropriate, early intervention services are provided in natural environments; and
2. the provision of early intervention services for any infant or toddler with a disability occurs in a setting other than a natural environment that is most appropriate, as determined by the parent and the individualized family service plan team, only when early intervention cannot be achieved satisfactorily for the infant or toddler in a natural environment.

636 / d / (5) Content of the IFSP Plan: must "include a statement of the natural environments in which early intervention services will appropriately be provided, including a justification of the extent, if any, to which services will not be provided in a natural environment."

Under Part C, services are required to be provided in the child's natural environment to the maximum extent possible. Relevant sections of the current regulations are (Note: Part C Regulations are under revision):

• Definitions: 34 CFR 303.12(b) and 303.18
• Individualized Family Service Plan policies and procedures: 34 CFR 303.167 (c)
• Content of IFSP: 34 CFR 303.344(d)(1)(ii) and 303.344, Note 1