IEP Service Delivery in Wyoming
How are IEP services delivered in Wyoming?
Wyoming requires that the full continuum of alternative placements be available to students with disabilities, as specified in WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(d) and 34 CFR 300.115. The continuum must include instruction in regular classes, special classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals and institutions, plus supplementary services such as resource room and itinerant instruction. Extended school year (ESY) services must be provided when the IEP team determines a student requires them to receive FAPE; the decision cannot be based solely on category of disability, configuration of service delivery, availability of ESY programs, administrative convenience, or any cost considerations (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 9; 34 CFR 300.106). Wyoming has a relatively small, rural state structure with many small school districts, which may necessitate interagency service agreements for specialized placements. Districts may contract for specialized services they cannot deliver directly.
What Wyoming Requires
The full continuum of placement options must be available, including regular classes, special classes, resource rooms, special schools, home instruction, and hospital settings (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(d); 34 CFR 300.115).
Extended school year (ESY) services must be provided when necessary for the student to receive FAPE; the determination must be individualized (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 9; 34 CFR 300.106).
ESY eligibility may not be denied solely based on category of disability, availability of programs, administrative convenience, or cost (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 9; 34 CFR 300.106(a)(2)).
Wyoming's rural geography means many students may require interagency or cooperative agreements for specialized placements; districts retain responsibility for ensuring FAPE (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(d)).
The IEP must specify the frequency, location, and duration of all services to ensure appropriate implementation (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(b)(vi)).
Key Timelines
Services must begin on the projected start date documented in the IEP (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(b)(vi)).
Service delivery models must be reviewed at least annually at the IEP meeting (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(e)).
Extended school year eligibility must be considered by the IEP team before the end of each regular school year (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 9).