IEP Related Services in Connecticut
What related services can be included in an IEP in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires that each IEP specify all related services the student requires to benefit from special education, consistent with Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76a(a)(19), which adopts the federal definition, and Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11. Related services include, but are not limited to, speech-language pathology and audiology, psychological services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling services, social work services, school health services, nursing services, parent counseling and training, transportation, recreation, assistive technology services, orientation and mobility, and interpreting services. The IEP must specify the projected start date, frequency, location (including whether in general education or a special setting), and duration of each related service. Transportation as a related service must be provided at no cost if the student's disability or placement requires it (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(b)(3)). Connecticut-certified or licensed personnel must provide or supervise related services. Districts may contract for related services they cannot provide directly, but all must be at no cost to the family.
What Connecticut Requires
The IEP must specify each related service with its projected start date, frequency, location, and duration (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)).
Related services include speech-language, audiology, OT, PT, counseling, psychological services, social work, school health and nursing, transportation, recreation, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and interpreting (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76a(a)(19); 34 CFR 300.34).
Transportation as a related service must be provided at no cost to the family when the student's disability or placement requires it (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(b)(3)).
Assistive technology devices and services must be provided when required by the IEP, including for home use if the team determines it is necessary for FAPE (34 CFR 300.105).
Districts may contract for related services they cannot directly provide, but all services must be at no cost to the family and provided by qualified personnel (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d).
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 (34 CFR 300.323(a)).
Related services must be reviewed at least annually by the PPT (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-12).
For transfer students, comparable services must be provided while a new IEP is being developed (34 CFR 300.323(e)-(f)).