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School-Based Services: What you need to know!:
According to the Free Appropriate Public Education Act (FAPE), any student with a documented disability is entitled to an education that best supports them in accessing an education, depending on the severity of the disability. FAPE is a provision in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures eligible students receive related services depending on their needs. Here are some helpful tips when exploring school-based services.
1. School based services allow the child to receive appropriate supports in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Once evaluated, your child will be given the accommodations they need to be most successful in the classroom, but with the most independence your child’s needs allow. Based on a joint discussion with the child’s educational team, the best plan of action will be discussed and recommended for your child to access their curriculum as independently as possible. There are a variety of services and accommodations available based on your school district’s recommendations!
2. School- based services can reinforce goals that are worked on in therapy! Extra practice can enhance the child’s carryover of selected goals discussed between your service providers.
3. Parents can be invited to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting to discuss their child’s needs and how it relates to their educational and social growth. An IEP is a legal document dictating your child’s needs and services provided. Remember an IEP is not set in stone, and can change based on a variety of factors such as the child’s progress and services rendered.
School-based services are one of many options available to assist your child in their educational experience. These services can be combined with private therapy, as well as utilize a variety of other outside practitioners. For an easy overview of IDEA and FAPE, please visit:
– Samantha M
