SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES
What are school-based services?
The following are the different levels of intervention that a teacher and school can provide for your child:
- Informal plan
- Response to Intervention (RTI)- This is an informal plan between just you and your teacher and is not overseen by anyone. This can be a good option if your child only has a few special educational needs or if your child is very motivated.
- Section 504 Plan- This is a more structured plan for extra help provided in the mainstream classroom, such as special seating or extended time on tests.
- Individual Education Program (IEP)- This is a more comprehensive plan for children who need extra help outside of a regular classroom (like in a resource room or a special education classroom). IEPs are required for children in special education.
To obtain a Section 504 plan or an IEP for your child, you or a teacher at your child’s school must make a written request. Your pediatrician can help you make this request by gathering diagnostic information about your child or by helping you write a letter.
What services are included in the IEP?
A team of specialists in the school district will test your child to see which services might help her. The team, with your family, will write an individualized plan to help your child set educational goals for the school year. The goal of an IPE is for your child to learn with typically developing children as much as possible in the least restrictive environment.
If you do not agree with the IEP recommendations, you have the right to request a second opinion. You also have the right to take legal action against your child’s school district if you feel the district is not following federal education law. The IEP is reviewed yearly and may change as your child’s needs change.
An IEP must include:
- The child’s performance in school
- Yearly goals
- Special education and other services
- How your child will be included with children without disabilities
- How your child will have state-wide and district-wide assessments
- Dates and locations- when services and changes will begin, how often and where services will occur, and how long services will last
- Transition goals and services for when you child’s needs change
- Measures of progress- how school staff will make sure your child is meeting her goals
Do I pay for school-based services?
All children have the right to a free public education that meets their own needs. This means that children with disabilities can receive the education at no cost to their families. Students with developmental disabilities can utilize educational programs and services until they are 21 years old.
Adapted from information provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP Feed run on: 9/5/2024 Article information last modified on: 9/5/2024
SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES
What are school-based services?
The following are the different levels of intervention that a teacher and school can provide for your child:
- Informal plan
- Response to Intervention (RTI)- This is an informal plan between just you and your teacher and is not overseen by anyone. This can be a good option if your child only has a few special educational needs or if your child is very motivated.
- Section 504 Plan- This is a more structured plan for extra help provided in the mainstream classroom, such as special seating or extended time on tests.
- Individual Education Program (IEP)- This is a more comprehensive plan for children who need extra help outside of a regular classroom (like in a resource room or a special education classroom). IEPs are required for children in special education.
To obtain a Section 504 plan or an IEP for your child, you or a teacher at your child’s school must make a written request. Your pediatrician can help you make this request by gathering diagnostic information about your child or by helping you write a letter.
What services are included in the IEP?
A team of specialists in the school district will test your child to see which services might help her. The team, with your family, will write an individualized plan to help your child set educational goals for the school year. The goal of an IPE is for your child to learn with typically developing children as much as possible in the least restrictive environment.
If you do not agree with the IEP recommendations, you have the right to request a second opinion. You also have the right to take legal action against your child’s school district if you feel the district is not following federal education law. The IEP is reviewed yearly and may change as your child’s needs change.
An IEP must include:
- The child’s performance in school
- Yearly goals
- Special education and other services
- How your child will be included with children without disabilities
- How your child will have state-wide and district-wide assessments
- Dates and locations- when services and changes will begin, how often and where services will occur, and how long services will last
- Transition goals and services for when you child’s needs change
- Measures of progress- how school staff will make sure your child is meeting her goals
Do I pay for school-based services?
All children have the right to a free public education that meets their own needs. This means that children with disabilities can receive the education at no cost to their families. Students with developmental disabilities can utilize educational programs and services until they are 21 years old.
Adapted from information provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP Feed run on: 9/5/2024 Article information last modified on: 9/5/2024
