Understanding Related Services Under the IDEA: A Guide for Philadelphia Parents

One critical area of support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is related services. This page explains what related services are, why they are essential, and how they can benefit your child.

What are Related Services?

Under the IDEA, related services are additional provisions that help children with disabilities benefit from their special education by addressing their unique needs. These services are intended to assist a child in reaching the goals outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Types of Related Services

The IDEA specifies several types of related services, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Transportation: Assistance in getting children to and from school and between schools.
• Speech-language pathology and audiology services: Support for children with speech, voice, or language disorders.
• Counseling services: This includes psychological and therapeutic services which support the child’s emotional, social, and educational well-being.
• Physical and occupational therapy: Assistance in improving a child’s ability to perform tasks or movements effectively.
• Recreation, including therapeutic recreation: Activities that assist in the development of a child’s social and emotional well-being.
• Early identification and assessment of disabilities: Services aimed at recognizing early signs of disabilities in children.
• School health services and school nurse services: Health-related services provided by a qualified school nurse or other qualified person.
• Social work services in schools: Services provided by school social workers to facilitate the educational and social progress of children.
• Parent counseling and training: This helps parents to understand their child’s special needs and enhance their skills to support the implementation of their child’s IEP.

The Importance of Related Services

Related services are essential because they support various areas of a child’s development, making it possible for them to achieve the objectives set in their IEPs. These services help manage or eliminate barriers to learning caused by the child’s disability.

Accessing Related Services in Philadelphia

If you are a parent of a child who is part of the School District of Philadelphia, your child might be eligible for these services through their IEP. The process typically involves:

• Evaluation: Your child must be evaluated to determine which related services are necessary for them to benefit from their education.
• IEP Meeting: During the IEP meeting, the team (including you as a parent) will decide what services are required and include them in your child’s IEP.
• Implementation: Once services are outlined in the IEP, the school district is responsible for providing these services to your child at no cost to you.

Why Actively Participate in Your Child’s IEP Meetings?

Active participation in IEP meetings ensures that your child gets the necessary services to succeed. Understanding the available related services and discussing your child's needs openly with the IEP team can significantly impact their educational journey.