IEP Related Services in North Carolina
What related services can be included in an IEP in North Carolina?
Related services in North Carolina are developmental, corrective, and other supportive services required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education (34 CFR 300.34). The IEP must specify the related services the child will receive, including the projected dates for beginning of services, anticipated frequency, location, and duration (34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)). North Carolina's Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities (34 CFR 300.34) define related services to include, but not be limited to: speech-language pathology and audiology services, interpreting services, psychological services, physical therapy, 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 and nursing services, social work services, parent counseling and training, and transportation. Occupational therapy in NC schools is described as a student-centered continuum of services provided by a licensed occupational therapist or licensed and supervised occupational therapy assistant, assisting a student to engage in meaningful occupations that allow participation in special education (34 CFR 300.34). Physical therapy in NC schools may only be provided by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed by the State of North Carolina. Related services are provided at no cost to families if the student qualifies. The IEP Team determines which related services are necessary based on the individual needs identified in the evaluation and PLAAFP. Related services goals function as either academic or functional goals depending on their purpose and content alignment. The IEP Team must consider assistive technology devices and services as a special factor for every student (34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(v)). If the IEP Team determines that a child needs a particular device or service, including an intervention, accommodation, or other program modification, in order for the child to receive FAPE, the IEP Team must include a statement to that effect in the IEP.
What North Carolina Requires
The IEP must specify all related services including projected start dates, frequency, location, and duration (34 CFR 300.320(a)(7); NC 1503-5)
Related services include speech-language pathology, audiology, interpreting, psychological services, PT, OT, recreation, counseling, orientation and mobility, medical services for evaluation, school health/nursing, social work, parent counseling/training, and transportation (34 CFR 300.34)
Occupational therapy must be provided by a licensed occupational therapist or licensed and supervised OT assistant (34 CFR 300.34)
Physical therapy may only be provided by physical therapists and PT assistants licensed by the State of North Carolina
Related services are provided at no cost to families if the student qualifies for them as part of FAPE (34 CFR 300.17)
The IEP Team must consider assistive technology devices and services as a special factor for every student with a disability (34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(v))
If the IEP Team determines a device or service is needed for FAPE, a statement must be included in the IEP (NC 1503-5)
Key Timelines
Related services must be made available as soon as possible following development of the IEP (34 CFR 300.323(c)(2))
Related services are reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP Team's annual review (34 CFR 300.324(b)(1))
Reevaluations informing related service needs must be conducted at least every 3 years unless parent and LEA agree otherwise (34 CFR 300.303(b))