LRE & FAPE: Placement, Predetermination, and the Continuum of Services with Dr. Mitchell Yell

What’s the difference between FAPE and LRE—and why does it matter so much in IEP placement decisions?In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with national expert Dr. Mitchell Yell to unpack two of the most misunderstood elements of the IEP process: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation offers a deep dive into how schools are (and aren’t) following federal law—especially when it comes to placement, the continuum of services, and ensuring each child receives an appropriate education in the right setting.👉 You’ll learn:The definitions of LRE and FAPE—and how they work togetherWhy LRE is not a location (and general ed is not always the answer)What schools get wrong about resource rooms and self-contained classroomsThe difference between “shoehorning” and individualized placementWhat predetermination actually looks like in practice—and why it's a problemWhy schools can't eliminate parts of the continuum (like resource rooms!)How to respond when schools say things like “we don’t offer that here” or “we got rid of resource”Karen and Dr. Yell also answer dozens of real audience questions—including what to do if your child is being pushed into a program without team discussion, how to handle denials of placement, and why you should always ask for a proper Prior Written Notice.This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered:🧠 “Do they really have to offer a continuum of services?”🧠 “Can a district just say they don’t do resource anymore?”🧠 “What if my child is placed without trying general ed first?” Support the show✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy  First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: Special Education Academy🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)Because when...