IEP Related Services in South Dakota
What related services can be included in an IEP in South Dakota?
Related services in South Dakota are defined consistent with IDEA (34 CFR 300.34) and elaborated through ARSD 24:05:27, which includes specific definitions for occupational therapy (ARSD 24:05:27:22) and physical therapy as related services. Related services allow a student to benefit from special education and must be provided at no cost to parents. Occupational therapy under ARSD 24:05:27:22 includes improving, developing, or restoring functions impaired by illness, injury, or deprivation; improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning; and preventing initial or further impairment through early intervention. Physical therapy as a related service includes gross motor development, mobility, use of adaptive equipment, and consultation and training in handling, positioning, and transferring students with physical impairments. Other related services recognized under South Dakota law include speech-language pathology, psychological services, counseling services, social work services, orientation and mobility services, school nurse services, transportation, and assistive technology. Related services must be documented in the IEP with the projected start date, frequency, location, and duration (ARSD 24:05:27:01.03). South Dakota's rural areas frequently rely on special education cooperatives such as the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, North Central Special Education Cooperative, and South Central Cooperative to deliver related services that individual small districts could not otherwise provide.
What South Dakota Requires
Related services must be provided as necessary for the student to benefit from special education, at no cost to parents, and must be documented in the IEP with start date, frequency, location, and duration (ARSD 24:05:27:01.03; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)).
Occupational therapy as a related service includes improving, developing, or restoring functions impaired by illness, injury, or deprivation, and improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning (ARSD 24:05:27:22).
Physical therapy as a related service includes gross motor development, mobility, use of adaptive equipment, and consultation and training in handling, positioning, and transferring students with physical impairments (ARSD 24:05:27).
Speech-language pathology services are a recognized related service and must be provided by appropriately licensed professionals under SDCL Title 36 licensing requirements.
Transportation is a required related service when necessary for the child to benefit from special education, including specialized transportation equipment as needed (34 CFR 300.34(c)(16)).
South Dakota special education cooperatives organized under SDCL 13-5-31 may deliver related services on behalf of member districts, particularly in rural areas.
Key Timelines
Related services must begin on the IEP-specified start date and must be in place at the beginning of each school year (34 CFR 300.323).
Duration, frequency, and location of each related service must be specified in the IEP and reviewed at least annually (ARSD 24:05:27:01.03; 34 CFR 300.324).
Any proposed change to related services requires prior written notice to parents at least 5 days in advance (ARSD 24:05:30:04).