IEP Related Services in Florida

What related services can be included in an IEP in Florida?

Florida IEPs must include a statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services to be provided to the student or on behalf of the student (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(4)). Florida Statute 1003.01(3)(b) defines special education services as specially designed instruction and such related services as are necessary for an exceptional student to benefit from education. Related services under 34 CFR 300.34(a), as adopted in Florida practice, include: speech-language pathology and audiology services, interpreting services, psychological services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreation including therapeutic recreation, early identification and assessment of disabilities, counseling services including rehabilitation counseling, orientation and mobility services, medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes only, school health services and school nurse services, social work services in schools, parent counseling and training, and transportation. The Florida Department of Education Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS) identifies speech-language pathology (which may also be an ESE eligibility category as 'language impairment' or 'speech impairment'), occupational therapy, and physical therapy as the most commonly provided related services. Transportation is included in the IEP when the IEP team determines it is necessary for the child to benefit from special education. Assistive technology devices and services must also be made available when required as part of the student's special education, related services, or supplementary aids and services (34 CFR 300.105). Florida uses a Matrix of Services to document the level of services each ESE student receives, which determines the cost factor (251-255) for the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) ESE Guaranteed Allocation. The matrix must be based on services specified in the student's IEP. A Matrix of Services must be completed for all ESE students at Support Levels 4 and 5 (cost factors 254 and 255) and for students utilizing school choice scholarships specific to students with disabilities. Florida also requires the IEP team to determine whether the student needs Extended School Year (ESY) services — special education and related services provided beyond the normal school year — to ensure FAPE (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(g)). When determining ESY eligibility, the IEP team must consider: (1) whether there is a likelihood of significant regression in critical life skills related to academics, communication, independent functioning, and social/emotional development; (2) whether the student is at a crucial developmental stage where a service lapse would jeopardize skill acquisition; (3) whether the nature and severity of the disability makes education impossible without ESY; and (4) extenuating circumstances such as a student who recently obtained paid supported employment and requires a job coach, or whose frequent health-related absences (in excess of 25 days) have impeded progress on goals (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(g)). School districts may not limit ESY services to particular categories of disability or unilaterally limit the type, amount, or duration of ESY services. ESY services must be provided at no cost to the parent (34 CFR 300.106). Florida provides FAPE through age 22 under F.S. §1003.57(1)(a), meaning related services remain available through that age for eligible students who have not graduated or aged out.