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.__Natural or least restrictive environment.__To the maximum extent appropriate:

A.__Early intervention services must be provided in natural environments, including the home, and community settings 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 without disabilities whenever possible and shall must be educated under the principle of the least restrictive educational alternative environment as set forth in state laws and rules and federal laws and regulations.

4. Parent's right to be a member of the team. Parents, surrogate parents or guardians have the right to be a member of the team which that will carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with rules established by the commissioner.

5. Blind students; Braille instruction. All students may receive instruction in Braille reading and writing as part of their individualized family service plans or individualized education plans programs. A student may not be denied the opportunity of instruction in Braille reading and writing solely because the student has some remaining vision. If Braille is not provided to a child who is blind, the reason for not incorporating Braille in the individualized family service plan or individualized education plan programs must be documented in the individualized family service plan or individualized