IEP Service Delivery in Alabama
How are IEP services delivered in Alabama?
Alabama requires that special education services be delivered as specified in the IEP with no delay permitted while determining payment sources (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05). Special education programs must be in operation for at least the length of the regular school term and school day unless the IEP team specifies otherwise based on individual student needs. Alabama has a unique case manager requirement under Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.11: a special education teacher is assigned as a case manager for each student; caseloads consider severity of student needs, service locations, number of campuses served, and whether all IEPs can be implemented as written. The LEA must ensure that all staff responsible for implementing the IEP have access to it and understand their specific responsibilities. Alabama's LRE requirements mandate that students receive services in age-appropriate settings — elementary students with elementary peers, secondary students with secondary peers. Extended school year (ESY) services must be provided if the IEP team determines, on an individual basis, that interruption in services would deny FAPE; ESY cannot be limited to specific disability categories.
What Alabama Requires
No delay is permitted in implementing IEP services while determining payment sources for special education and related services (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).
A special education teacher must be assigned as case manager for each eligible student; caseloads consider severity of needs, service locations, and number of campuses served (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.11).
All staff responsible for implementing the IEP must have access to the IEP and understand their specific responsibilities (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).
Students served outside general education must be grouped by age-appropriate level — elementary with elementary, secondary with secondary (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.06).
ESY services must be provided on an individual basis when interruption in services would deny FAPE; ESY cannot be limited to specific disability categories or have services unilaterally limited by type, amount, or duration (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).
Special education programs must operate for at least the length of the regular school term and day unless the IEP team specifies otherwise based on individual student needs (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.10).
Key Timelines
Services must begin on the projected start date in the IEP with no delay for payment determinations (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).
ESY placement decisions must be made individually by the IEP team, typically before the end of the regular school year (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.05).