IEP Related Services in Illinois

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

Related services in Illinois are governed by both the state School Code and federal IDEA regulations. Illinois defines 'special educational facilities and services' broadly under 105 ILCS 5/14-1.08 to include: special schools, special classes, special instruction, special reader services, braillists and typists for children with visual disabilities, sign language interpreters, transportation, therapy, professional consultant services, medical services for diagnostic and evaluation purposes only (provided by a physician licensed in Illinois), psychological services, school social worker services, special administrative services, and other special educational services including special equipment for use in the classroom. Illinois regulation 23 IAC §226.75 adopts the federal definition of related services from 34 CFR 300.34, which defines them as transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. This includes: speech-language pathology and audiology services, interpreting services, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, recreation (including therapeutic recreation), early identification and assessment, counseling services (including rehabilitation counseling), orientation and mobility services, medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes, school health services and school nurse services, social work services in schools, and parent counseling and training. The IEP must specify each related service with its projected start date, frequency, duration, and location (34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)). Under the ISBE form 34-54, the 'Special Education and Related Services' section documents all services the student will receive. Illinois specifically enumerates school social worker services as a core related service in its School Code (105 ILCS 5/14-1.08), reflecting the state's emphasis on social-emotional support within the school setting. All related services and special equipment must be approved by the State Superintendent of Education (105 ILCS 5/14-1.08). The IEP team determines which related services are necessary based on the child's individual needs as identified through the case study evaluation and documented in the present levels. Services must be provided at no cost to the parents. When an outside agency is responsible for providing a related service, this must be documented in the IEP, particularly for transition-age students where interagency coordination is required (23 IAC §226.230(c)).