2. Least restrictive education alternative. An exceptional student shall be educated with students in regular programs to the maximum extent possible.

A. Educational opportunities for an exceptional student shall be provided by means of the addition of appropriate supportive assistance to regular educational programs.

B. Removal of an exceptional student from the regular educational environment shall occur only if the nature or severity of the exceptionality is such that the student's education cannot be satisfactorily accomplished in:

(1) Regular classes with the use of supplemental aids and services; or

(2) Self-contained classes within the regular school programs.

C. An exceptional student may be placed in a residential school or institution, or in a private day school or program, only after supporting evaluative data justifying the placement have been submitted to and approved by the commissioner.

2-A.__Developmental or educational environment.__To the maximum extent appropriate:

A.__Early intervention services must be provided in natural environments, including the home and community setting in which children from birth to under 3 years of age without disabilities participate; and

B.__Children with disabilities at least 3 years of age and under 20 years of age, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, must be educated with children without disabilities.__Special classes, separate schooling or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment may occur only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

3. Students diagnosed as deaf. An exceptional A student, diagnosed as deaf, shall must be educated with regular students