IEP Related Services in Kentucky
What related services can be included in an IEP in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires that each IEP specify all related services the student requires to benefit from special education. Under 707 KAR 1:002, Section 51, related services means transportation and developmental and supportive services enabling the child to benefit from specially designed instruction, including speech-language pathology, audiology, psychological services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling services, social work services, school health services, parent counseling and training, and orientation and mobility services. The definition explicitly excludes surgically implanted medical devices (such as cochlear implants) but maintains LEA responsibility for health and safety monitoring of such devices. The IEP must specify each related service with its projected start date, frequency, location, and duration (707 KAR 1:320, Section 5(12)). Assistive technology devices and services must be provided when required by the IEP, including for use at home if the ARC determines it necessary (707 KAR 1:290, Section 7). Kentucky schools may bill Medicaid for covered related services for dually-eligible students through the School-Based Health Services (SBHS) program, which authorizes LEAs to enroll as Medicaid providers under 907 KAR 3:010. All related services must be provided at no cost to the family as part of FAPE (707 KAR 1:290, Section 1). Under KRS 157.270, the Kentucky Board of Education may include in its calculation of exceptional child funds the costs of related services necessary for children with disabilities, reinforcing the state's commitment to fully funding required services.
What Kentucky Requires
The IEP must specify each related service with projected start date, frequency, location, and duration (707 KAR 1:320, Section 5(12); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)).
Related services include speech-language pathology, audiology, OT, PT, counseling, psychological services, social work, school health services, parent counseling and training, and orientation and mobility (707 KAR 1:002, Section 51).
Surgically implanted medical devices are excluded from related services, but LEAs retain responsibility for routine monitoring of health and safety of such devices (707 KAR 1:002, Section 51).
Assistive technology devices and services must be provided when required by the IEP; the ARC may determine home use is necessary (707 KAR 1:290, Section 7).
All related services must be provided at no cost to the family as part of FAPE (707 KAR 1:290, Section 1; KRS 157.230).
Kentucky LEAs may enroll as Medicaid providers under 907 KAR 3:010 and the School-Based Health Services program to receive reimbursement for covered services provided to dually-eligible students.
The ARC must consider related service needs as part of IEP development; the LEA may not unilaterally reduce or eliminate a related service without ARC action and prior written notice (707 KAR 1:340, Section 4).
Interpreting services must be provided for children who are deaf or hard of hearing as a related service when the ARC determines they are necessary (707 KAR 1:002, Section 51; 34 CFR 300.34(c)(4)).
Key Timelines
Related services must begin on the projected start date in the IEP and must be in effect at the beginning of each school year (707 KAR 1:320, Section 5(12); 34 CFR 300.323(a)).
Related services must be reviewed at least annually by the ARC (707 KAR 1:320; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).
For transfer students, comparable services must be provided while a new IEP is being developed (707 KAR 1:320, Section 6; 34 CFR 300.323(e)-(f)).
ESY related services must be considered when the ARC determines they are necessary to prevent substantial regression (707 KAR 1:290, Section 8).
Sources
Related IEP Guides
IEP Services Explained: What Your Child Should Be Getting
Understand IEP related services — speech, OT, PT, counseling, and more. Learn direct vs. consultative models and what to do if services aren't delivered.
The IEP Says 30 Minutes of Speech. My Child Gets 15.
What to do when your child's IEP services aren't delivered as written — how to discover the gap, document it, and hold the school accountable.
Compensatory Services: What Your Child Is Owed When the School Falls Short
What compensatory services are, when your child is entitled to them, how to request them, and what to do when IEP services are missed.