IEP Related Services in Vermont
What related services can be included in an IEP in Vermont?
Vermont 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 VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1. 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. Under VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1, the IEP must specify the projected start date, frequency, location, and duration of each related service. Vermont's Act 264 (the education funding law) affects how supervisory unions and school districts fund and deliver related services, but the obligation to provide services at no cost to the family remains absolute under 16 V.S.A. § 2941. 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 Vermont Requires
The IEP must specify each related service with its projected start date, frequency, location, and duration (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1; 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; VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1).
All services must be provided at no cost to the family as part of FAPE, regardless of funding mechanisms under Vermont's Act 264 education finance system (16 V.S.A. § 2941).
Districts may contract for services they cannot directly provide, subject to quality and licensure requirements (VT AOE Rule 2360.4).
Key Timelines
Related services must begin on the projected start date documented in the IEP and be in effect at the beginning of each school year (34 CFR 300.323(a); VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1).
Related services must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.2).
For transfer students within Vermont, comparable services must be provided while a new IEP is being developed (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.3; 34 CFR 300.323(e)).