IEP Related Services in Rhode Island
What related services can be included in an IEP in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires that each IEP specify all related services the student requires to benefit from special education, implementing 34 CFR 300.34 through 200-RICR-20-10-1. Related services include speech-language pathology, audiology, psychological services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, school social work, school health and nursing services, parent counseling and training, transportation, recreation, assistive technology services, orientation and mobility, and interpreting services. Under 200-RICR-20-10-1.6(A)(7), the IEP must specify the projected start date, frequency, location, and duration of each related service. Related service providers in Rhode Island must hold applicable state licensure in addition to special education credentials. Districts may contract for related services they cannot provide directly, but all services must be at no cost to the family consistent with FAPE (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-1). Transportation is a required related service when necessary for the student to benefit from special education.
What Rhode Island Requires
The IEP must specify each related service with its projected start date, frequency, location, and duration (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(A)(7); 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).
Related service providers must hold applicable Rhode Island state licensure consistent with their discipline (200-RICR-20-10-1.3).
Transportation is a required related service when necessary for the student to benefit from special education and must be at no cost to the family (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-1; 34 CFR 300.34(c)(16)).
Assistive technology devices and services must be provided if required by the IEP, including in the home or other settings when the team determines it is necessary (34 CFR 300.105).
Districts may contract for related services they cannot provide directly, but all services must be at no cost to the family (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-1; 34 CFR 300.17).
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 (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(A)(7); 34 CFR 300.323(a)).
Related services must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(D)).
For transfer students from another Rhode Island district, comparable services must be provided while a new IEP is being developed (34 CFR 300.323(e)).
For transfer students from out of state, the district must provide comparable services until a new IEP is developed or a decision is made about adopting the previous IEP (34 CFR 300.323(f)).