is in their best interest . IDEA also provides that the level of inclusion is determined by the needs of the children and that a position in a regular classroom is the foundation for building an educational plan which will support the needs of a child exhibiting special needs . The stipulations cited within the bill are there to ensure that as many children with disabilities as possible have access to the education that they deserve while still meeting their individual needs and supporting their development .
Mainstreaming , integrating and full-inclusion are terms most associated in discussions on building an inclusive classroom . Mainstreaming is including children with disabilities in the classroom with typically developing children ( the reverse can also be true ). Melissa Ferry ( 2001 ), writing for Friendship Circle , a Special Education Resource , discusses the idea of mainstreaming and the impact on children and their learning environment : “ Those who support the idea of mainstreaming believe that a child with disabilities first belongs in the special education environment and that the child must earn his / her way into the regular education environment ”. Integration is children with special needs and those without being involved in the same program . According to Ferry : “ Full inclusion means that all students , regardless of handicapping condition or severity , will be in a regular classroom / program full time . All services must be taken to the child in that setting ” ( 2001 ). This means that children with special needs will be