Formatted in a question-and-answer style, this book is intended to provide a survey and overview of the federal law governing the placement of students with disabilities. It explores the procedural and substantive requirements of the placement process and addresses the most common concerns that arise in this area of special education law. The answers provided are based upon federal statues and regulations, decision issued from state and federal courts, state educational agency due process hearings and administrative review decisions, and administrative interpretations from federal government agencies. Specific chapters address the following areas: (1) the nuts and bolts of placement; (2) the parents' role in the placement process; (3) placement procedures; (4) maintenance of current placement during disputes (the stay-put requirement); (5) appropriate placements; (6) the least restrictive environment requirement; (7) the placement of preschoolers; (8) obligations to serve private school students with disabilities; (9) private school compliance with special education laws; (10) therapeutic placements; (11) placement of student populations outside the typical school setting; (12) disciplinary placements; (13) litigation over placement; and (14) miscellaneous issues in the placement of students with disabilities, including extended school year placements and summer school programs. A table of relevant cases is provided. (CR)