Overview
What it is
Related services are the supportive services a child needs to benefit from special education — things like speech-language therapy, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and counseling. They're written into the IEP, delivered at no cost to families, and chosen by the IEP team based on the child's needs.
How It Works
How it works
Related services appear on the IEP with a frequency, duration, and setting (for example, “speech therapy, 30 minutes twice a week”). Providers collaborate with teachers and family, and services are reviewed and adjusted as the child progresses. If your child needs a service to benefit from their education, ask the team to consider it.
Supports
Supports & accommodations
- Speech-language therapyFor speech, language, fluency, or social-communication needs
- Occupational therapy (OT)For fine-motor, sensory, self-care, and daily-function skills
- Physical therapy (PT)For gross-motor, mobility, and physical access
- Counseling & psychological servicesFor social-emotional and behavioral support
- Other related servicesTransportation, school nursing, orientation/mobility, interpreting, and more — whatever a child needs to access their education
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What are related services?Supportive services (like speech, OT, PT, counseling) that help a child benefit from special education.
- Do they cost anything?No — they're provided at no cost as part of the IEP.
- Who decides which services?The IEP team, based on the child's evaluated needs.
- Can I request a service?Yes — ask the team to consider it if your child needs it.
- Are these only in special schools?No — they're provided in the child's school as part of the IEP.
At a Glance
Key facts
- WhatSupportive services on an IEP
- CommonSpeech · OT · PT · Counseling
- AlsoTransportation, nursing, psychological services & more
- CostFree to families
- Decided byThe IEP team
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Where to learn more
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