Deciding between a self-contained classroom and an inclusion classroom is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your child in special education. As part of the IEP process, this choice determines how your child learns, interacts with peers, and develops critical skills. 

Understanding these two classroom settings and their differences is key to making an informed decision that supports your child’s unique needs.

What Are Self-Contained and Inclusion Classrooms?

At its core, a self-contained classroom is a separate learning environment designed to meet the tailored needs of special education students. These classrooms often feature: 

• Small class sizes
• Specialized teachers
• An adaptive curriculum focused on individualized learning goals.

Learn more about this type of special education classroom in Self-Contained Classroom Defined.

On the other hand, an inclusion classroom integrates special education students with their general education peers. 

This approach allows all students to share the same curriculum while benefiting from diverse classroom experiences. 

You can explore more details in this Inclusion Classroom Defined guide.

Knowing the difference gives you a foundation for advocating during IEP meetings and understanding your child’s educational path.

Why Placement Decisions Matter

When selecting a classroom, you and your IEP team must consider the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This concept ensures your child has the best chance to succeed in a setting that provides appropriate support without unnecessary limitations. 

The placement can affect your child’s academic success, emotional well-being, and social growth.

How the Placement Process Works: Testing and Evaluation

Schools conduct comprehensive evaluations before a placement is chosen to determine your child’s eligibility for special education services. 

Based on these test results, the IEP team evaluates whether your child would benefit most from a self-contained or inclusion classroom. Each child’s situation is unique, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution.

What is a Self-Contained Classroom?

A self-contained classroom is traditionally designed for kids who need more intensive support than a general education setting offers. While self-contained classrooms were once isolating, today they’re often in the same building as general education classrooms, providing opportunities for interaction during elective classes like Art or PE.

Advantages of Self-Contained Classrooms

Self-contained classrooms provide several key benefits, such as:

• Adapted Curriculum: The students may have more customized lessons tailored to meet each student’s specific needs.
• Flexible Scheduling: Teachers can adjust the classroom schedule based on the students. 
• Flexible Teaching: The teacher may group more than one subject into one larger lesson. 
• Smaller Class Sizes: With fewer students, each child gets more individual attention and one-on-one time with the teacher.
• Targeted Assessments: Students are given an alternative state assessment or benchmark test that measures growth more appropriately.
• Social Opportunities: Students will have interaction with others in their classroom and possibly be able to join electives like music, library, PE, or art alongside peers.

For a closer look at these benefits, check out this guide on 10 Things Parents Need to Know About Self-Contained Classrooms.

Disadvantages of Self-Contained Classrooms

However, self-contained classrooms have potential drawbacks:

• Limited Peer Interaction: Students have fewer opportunities to engage with general education classmates.
• Separate Electives: Students may not get to attend those special classes or electives like PE or music because they may not align with the general education schedule.
• Mixed Age Groups: Students may be in a classroom with multiple grade and maturity levels. Differing levels in one classroom can pose challenges.

What is an Inclusion Classroom?

Special education students are included or “mainstreamed” with the general classroom students in an inclusion classroom. This model accommodates various levels of inclusion:

100% Fully Inclusive: 

• Students remain in the general education classroom all day. 
• These students receive support and services within the classroom. 
• The special education teacher provides support during the student’s “academic blocks.”
• Collaborative services are available for a certain amount of time within the classroom.

70–90% Inclusive: 

• Students spend 70-90% of their time in the general classroom. 
• The special education teacher often pulls these students to go to another classroom. 
• This type of inclusion is most commonly used within the public school system. 
• Students may need remediation or resourced time for a certain amount of the class period. 

40–70% Inclusive: 

Students split their day between self-contained settings and general classrooms. For example, mornings may focus on specialized support, while afternoons include inclusion classes.

Advantages of Inclusion Classrooms

These benefits make inclusion classrooms attractive:

• Consistent Curriculum: Your child learns the same material as their general education peers.
• Socialize With Peers: Your child will be able to interact with their grade-level peers socially. 
• Exposure to Diversity: Inclusion promotes acceptance and understanding among all students.

Disadvantages of Inclusion Classrooms

Despite the advantages, inclusion may present challenges:

• Struggles to Keep Up: The pace of general classes may feel overwhelming for some students.
• Frustration: When material is too difficult, it can cause behavior issues and may even lead to classroom disruptions.
• Less Individual Attention: Larger classes might limit the teacher’s ability to provide one-on-one support.
• Concerns Over Support: The effectiveness of inclusion depends heavily on adequately trained staff and adequate resources.

Current Trends in Special Education Placement

In recent years, schools have shifted toward greater inclusion whenever feasible. 

Fully self-contained classrooms are often reserved for students with the most significant needs. This change reflects a growing focus on providing learning environments that promote interaction and independence.

Can You Combine Both Options?

Yes! Some students benefit from a combination of services. 

For example, a child might attend an inclusion math class but receive self-contained reading lessons. 

This flexibility ensures the right blend of academic growth and support. Parents can also request adjustments to services at any time by initiating an IEP meeting.

Your Role as a Parent in IEP Decisions

Parents play a critical role in shaping their child’s placement. You are an active member of the IEP team and have the right to raise concerns, ask for clarification, or propose changes to ensure your child thrives. 

Observing both types of classrooms can also be invaluable for understanding which setting feels like the best fit. If you’re unsure, ask school officials for guidance—they’re there to help! 

Remember, you’re never locked into one setting. Placements can evolve as your child’s needs change. 

• You can call an IEP meeting anytime you feel a change in services or placements is needed. 
• A special education teacher can call a revision to add or decrease the amount of services for that student. 

What Happens If Your Child Changes Schools? 

Your child will receive special education services as they transition throughout the school system into middle and high school. But it is possible to test out of special education services. 

Moving to a new school system? Read Make Moving With An IEP Less Scary: PCSing And IEPs. 

What’s Best for Your Child?

When deciding between a self-contained classroom and an inclusion classroom, focus on your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth. 

Reflect on the pros and cons of each setting and consult your IEP team to find the best solution. Each child’s special education journey is different, and with the right support, every pathway can lead to success.

For more insights, consider these additional special education resources: 

Additional Special Education Resources

• Is inclusion a good idea?
• Academic Regression in School What You Need to Know as a Parent
• What are Accommodations and Modifications in Special Education?
• Present Level of Performance The Most Important Part of an IEP Explained
• Special Education vs General Education: What’s the difference?

Do you have a child that needs one-on-one assistance?  

We offer one-on-one special education tutoring that can be done from anywhere the student is! Why? Because our special education experts conduct their sessions online!

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