IEP Related Services in Maine
What related services can be included in an IEP in Maine?
Maine 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 MUSER Ch. 101 § VIII(1)(c). 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. The IEP must specify the projected start date, frequency, location, and duration of each related service (MUSER Ch. 101 § VIII(1)(f)). Maine requires that the SAU provide related services through licensed providers. Transportation is a required related service when needed for the student to benefit from special education (MUSER Ch. 101 § II(1); 34 CFR 300.34(c)(16)). Assistive technology devices and services must be provided if required by the IEP, including at home when the team determines it is necessary. The district may contract for related services when it cannot provide them directly, but all services must be at no cost to the family.
What Maine Requires
The IEP must specify each related service with its projected start date, frequency, location, and duration (MUSER Ch. 101 § VIII(1)(f); 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; MUSER Ch. 101 § VIII).
Transportation is a required related service when the student requires it to access special education and related services (MUSER Ch. 101 § II(1); 34 CFR 300.34(c)(16)).
Related service providers in Maine must hold appropriate Maine licenses or endorsements for the services they provide (MUSER Ch. 101 § VI).
All related services must be at no cost to the family as part of FAPE (MUSER Ch. 101 § II(1)).
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); MUSER Ch. 101 § VIII(1)(f)).
Related services must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review (MUSER Ch. 101 § VIII(5)).
For transfer students, comparable services must be provided while a new IEP is being developed (34 CFR 300.323(e)-(f)).