School Based Services

Schools offer services for children with disabilities, but only if the disability impacts access to the school curriculum. Unlike early intervention, which supports development across all areas of daily life, school-based services focus only on what’s necessary for a child to participate and succeed at school.

Schools perform their own assessments to determine the child's eligibility for school based therapy services.

What School-Based Services May Support:

• Occupational Therapy (OT): Handwriting, using classroom tools, organizing school materials, sensory needs if they impact participation in school

• Physical Therapy (PT): Walking in hallways, sitting safely, accessing the playground or lunchroom

• Speech & Language Pathology (SLP): Understanding and using language in class, being understood by others, interacting with peers 

*In school settings, OT is NOT a stand-alone service - it must support an academic need

What School-Based Services Don’t Cover:

• Feeding or swallowing therapy

• Dressing, bathing, or toileting (unless school-specific)

• Sensory processing issues not affecting classroom function

• Social-emotional needs outside of school

• Home routines or community participation

Early intervention supports the whole child across home, community, and daily routines. School-based services focus only on what’s necessary to help the child learn and participate at school.

Important note for signing up for school:

• Some schools would like parents to call or come in person to let them know your child is already receiving services and may want copies of their IFSP from the regional center when you sign up

• Be sure to call your school to ensure they know you would like your child to be assessed for an IEP

Some school districts offer drop-in therapy services for families who aren’t ready for their child to attend preschool full- or part-time. You’ll still need to apply through your local school district and let them know you're interested in drop-in services only. The school will complete an assessment to determine eligibility. If your child qualifies, they may receive therapy services without enrolling in a preschool classroom. 

Learn more about IEPs here - High Quality IEPs

Important notes on signing an IEP if your child qualifies for one after the assessment process:

1. You do NOT have to sign the IEP during the meetings when you are asked to, you can take the IEP home and review it thoroughly before signing and returning it to the school.

2. If you disagree with something on the IEP, you can still sign the IEP but check the box that indicates you disagree with something and make note of what that is. The district will send you a letter in the mail addressing this disagreement and make necessary changes if needed. 

3. Your services do not start until the IEP is signed, so when you are ready, be sure to sign and submit it to the school as soon as possible to have services begin.

4. If your child qualifies for an AAC device, more likely than not your child will only be able to use the device AT SCHOOL, not able to take it home. It is best to acquire an AAC device through your insurance based speech language pathologist so your child will be able to use their communication device in all settings. 

Click here to find your assigned school and district.

In California, each area is part of a Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), which helps make sure all children with disabilities get the support they need in school. There are over 130 SELPAs across the state, and each one works with local school districts to plan and provide special education services. SELPAs help with early identification of disabilities, training school staff, coordinating programs, and making sure schools follow state and federal rules. They also work with other agencies to support children and families. Each SELPA has a team that manages funds, plans programs, and supports families and schools in delivering quality special education services. 

Having trouble with your district? 

Click here to learn more from the SELPA website on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)