IEP Related Services in Alaska
What related services can be included in an IEP in Alaska?
Alaska requires that each IEP specify all related services the student requires to benefit from special education, consistent with federal law (34 CFR 300.34) as implemented in 4 AAC 52.540. Related services include speech-language pathology, audiology, psychological services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, social work, school health and nursing services, parent counseling and training, transportation, recreation, assistive technology services, orientation and mobility, and interpreting services. Under 4 AAC 52.540(b)(6), the IEP must specify the projected start date, frequency, location, and duration of each related service. Alaska's vast geography creates unique service delivery challenges: many students in rural and remote districts are served by itinerant specialists who travel to or from hub communities, and some services may be delivered through videoconferencing technology when in-person delivery is impractical. The district may contract for related services when it cannot provide them directly, but all services must be at no cost to the family (AS § 14.30.180).
What Alaska Requires
The IEP must specify each related service with its projected start date, frequency, location, and duration (4 AAC 52.540(b)(6); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)).
Related services include speech-language, audiology, OT, PT, counseling, psychological services, social work, nursing, transportation, recreation, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and interpreting services (34 CFR 300.34).
Assistive technology devices and services must be provided if required by the IEP, including at home when the team determines it is necessary (34 CFR 300.105; 4 AAC 52.540(c)).
Districts may contract for related services they cannot provide directly (e.g., via itinerant or telehealth providers), but all services must be at no cost to the family (AS § 14.30.180).
Alaska's rural geography is recognized as a factor; districts must plan service delivery models that account for itinerant travel and potential use of technology-assisted services.
Key Timelines
Related services must begin on the projected start date in the IEP and be in effect at the beginning of each school year (4 AAC 52.540(b)(6); 34 CFR 300.323(a)).
Related services must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review (4 AAC 52.540(d)).
For transfer students, comparable services must be provided while a new IEP is being developed (34 CFR 300.323(e)-(f)).