Special Education Hub

Understanding Special Education services

Every student with an IEP receives a team of supports tailored to their unique needs. This page explains what those services are and how families can stay involved.

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program describes the educational plan designed to meet a student's unique needs. Teachers, parents, administrators, related service providers, and students all work as a team to design and implement it.

What are related services?

Related services are supports a student needs in order to access their special education program. Special education teachers and service providers work together to identify and design programs that meet each student's individual needs.

Speech and Language Services

Every school has a speech-language pathologist who provides services based on the student's IEP. Services may be delivered in the general education classroom or a resource room, and range from individual, group, and integrated sessions. The focus is on supporting academic success and communication development.

Occupational Therapy Services

OT services provide direct instruction in fine motor skills, sensory integration, activities of daily living, visual perceptual skills, play skills, and vocational tasks — all related to fine motor needs in the educational program. Delivered according to the student's IEP.

Physical Therapy Services

PT services focus on motor development, functional mobility, and participation in everyday routines and activities. These support gross motor needs that are part of the educational program and are provided according to the student's IEP.

Counseling Services

School psychologists and social workers provide mental health support through individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and IEP development. They collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families, conduct psycho-educational evaluations, and connect students with community providers.

Hearing Services

Students with hearing impairments receive support related to their primary mode of communication. Direct instruction or consultation from a teacher of the hearing impaired covers listening, speech, and spoken language. Services are provided per the student's IEP or 504 plan.

Vision Services

Students with vision impairments receive support through direct instruction or consultation from a teacher of the visually impaired. Services are provided according to the student's IEP or 504 plan.

Assistive Technology Services

AT staff help teams select, acquire, and train in the use of assistive technology devices. AT is considered at every annual IEP review. Based on the student's program, AT may be added to the IEP to support academic success and independence.

504 Plans

A 504 plan provides accommodations for students with disabilities who don't qualify for an IEP but still need support in the general education setting. Unlike an IEP, a 504 does not include specialized instruction — it focuses on removing barriers so the student can access the curriculum.

Extended School Year (ESY)

ESY services are provided beyond the regular school year at no cost to families, based on what's written in the student's IEP. Eligibility is determined annually for each individual student. If you believe your child may qualify, ask the IEP team at the next annual review.

For Families

Stay Involved

Review your child's IEP goals regularly
Ask for progress reports between annual reviews
Keep copies of all IEP documents and evaluations
You have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time
Ask questions — no question is too small

Questions to Ask at IEP Meetings

What skills is my child currently working on?
How can I support these goals at home?
What progress has been made toward goals?
What does my child do well?
Are there any new concerns since our last meeting?