What are related services on an IEP?
Related services help your child benefit from special education. They are not optional extras if the IEP team determines they are needed.
July 5, 2026
This article explains federal special education law (IDEA). Your state may have its own deadlines, forms, and complaint rules. Check your school's procedural safeguards notice for state-specific details.
Quick answer
Related services are supports required for your child to benefit from special education. They can include speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, counseling, orientation and mobility, transportation, and other services listed in IDEA. If the team determines a related service is needed, it must be in the IEP.
What this means for parents
Parents often hear related services discussed as if they are separate from the IEP. When required, they are part of FAPE.
- Related services must be based on evaluation data and the child's needs, not only on generic eligibility lists.
- They support access to special education and general education participation.
- Each service should be described with frequency, duration, and location in the IEP.
- Medical services are related services only when they are for diagnostic or evaluation purposes.
- Transportation can be a related service when the child's disability requires special transport to benefit from special education.
Questions to ask about related services
Clarify why each service is or is not included.
- What evaluation data supports adding or removing [service]?
- Is this direct service, consult, or both, and what will each look like weekly?
- How will related services connect to IEP goals and classroom participation?
- Who is the qualified provider, and what happens if that provider is absent?
- Will related services be reduced if my child makes progress, and what data will trigger that decision?
Simple parent script
Request a related service
Based on evaluation results and my child's needs in [area], I believe [related service] is required for my child to benefit from special education. Please discuss evaluation data at the IEP meeting and add the service with clear frequency and duration if the team agrees it is needed.
When a service is removed
The team proposes removing [related service]. Please explain the evaluation data and progress data supporting that change. If the service is still needed for my child to benefit from special education, I do not agree to remove it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating related services as optional favors rather than IEP requirements.
- Accepting consult-only services when direct therapy is needed.
- Not asking how therapy goals connect to classroom function.
- Allowing missed sessions without a make-up plan.
- Assuming private therapy outside school replaces required school-based services.
When to get more help
Consider getting help when the school denies related services evaluation data supports, related services are chronically missed, or you need help arguing for transportation, counseling, or other less common related services.
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Sources
- 34 C.F.R. § 300.34, Related services (34 C.F.R. § 300.34)
- 34 C.F.R. § 300.320, Definition of individualized education program (34 C.F.R. § 300.320)