Understanding Special Education Services: What Can Be Included in an IEP?

Understanding Special Education Services: What Can Be Included in an IEP?


Understanding Special Education Services: What Can Be Included in an IEP?

When a child qualifies for special education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to provide the supports and services necessary for the child to make meaningful educational progress. Many parents are familiar with accommodations such as extra time or small-group instruction, but may not realize the wide range of services that can be included in an IEP.

The specific services a child receives should be based on their individual needs, not their disability label. Below is a guide to many of the special education services that parents may discuss with their child's IEP team.

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)

Specially Designed Instruction is the foundation of special education. It refers to instruction that is modified to meet a child's unique learning needs.

Examples include:

  • Reading intervention

  • Specialized math instruction

  • Writing support

  • Executive functioning instruction

  • Social skills instruction

SDI may occur in a general education classroom, resource room, special class, or other educational setting.

Resource Room Services

A resource room provides specialized instruction in a smaller setting outside the general education classroom for part of the school day.

Students may receive support in:

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Mathematics

  • Study skills

  • Organization

  • Executive functioning

Resource room services can be delivered individually or in small groups.

Consultant Teacher Services

A special education teacher works directly with the student and/or collaborates with the general education teacher.

This support may include:

  • Adapting assignments

  • Modifying instructional materials

  • Supporting classroom participation

  • Providing learning strategies

The student remains in the general education classroom while receiving support.

Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT)

In an ICT classroom, a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to instruct students.

Benefits include:

  • Access to grade-level curriculum

  • Additional support throughout the school day

  • Opportunities for inclusion with peers

Students with and without disabilities learn together in the same classroom.

Special Class Placement

Some students require a smaller class with more intensive support.

Special class placements may vary in size, such as:

  • 15:1

  • 12:1:1

  • 8:1:1

  • 6:1:1

The numbers indicate the number of students, teachers, and aides in the classroom.

Speech-Language Therapy

Speech therapy addresses communication challenges that may affect academic and social success.

Areas of support may include:

  • Articulation

  • Language development

  • Vocabulary

  • Social communication

  • Pragmatic language skills

  • Listening comprehension

Services may be delivered individually or in groups.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapists help students develop skills needed for school participation.

OT may address:

  • Handwriting

  • Fine motor skills

  • Sensory processing

  • Visual motor integration

  • Self-help skills

  • Attention and regulation

Therapy may occur individually, in groups, or through classroom consultation.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapy focuses on gross motor skills and physical access to the educational environment.

PT may help with:

  • Balance

  • Coordination

  • Strength

  • Mobility

  • Stair navigation

  • Playground participation

Counseling Services

School counseling can support emotional, behavioral, and social development.

Common goals include:

  • Anxiety management

  • Emotional regulation

  • Coping skills

  • Problem solving

  • Peer relationships

  • Self-esteem

Counseling may be individual or group-based.

Social Skills Training

Many children benefit from direct instruction in social interaction.

Social skills services may target:

  • Conversation skills

  • Friendship development

  • Perspective taking

  • Conflict resolution

  • Group participation

  • Emotional awareness

These services are often provided in small groups.

Behavioral Intervention Services

Students with behavioral challenges may receive support from behavior specialists.

Services may include:

  • Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)

  • Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)

  • Positive behavior supports

  • Self-regulation strategies

  • Crisis prevention planning

Parent Counseling and Training

Some IEPs include parent counseling and training services.

These sessions help families:

  • Understand their child's disability

  • Learn effective strategies at home

  • Support educational goals

  • Improve consistency between home and school

Assistive Technology Services

Assistive technology helps students access learning more effectively.

Examples include:

  • Text-to-speech software

  • Speech-to-text programs

  • Audiobooks

  • Alternative keyboards

  • Communication devices

  • Reading pens

An assistive technology evaluation may determine appropriate tools.

Orientation and Mobility Services

Students with visual impairments may receive training to navigate safely and independently.

Services can include:

  • Travel skills

  • Cane training

  • Environmental awareness

  • School navigation

Vision Services

Students with visual impairments may receive support from a teacher of the visually impaired.

Services may include:

  • Braille instruction

  • Large print materials

  • Visual efficiency training

  • Adaptive technology

Hearing Services

Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may receive specialized support.

Services may include:

  • Auditory training

  • Communication support

  • Hearing device management

  • Instruction from teachers of the deaf

Adaptive Physical Education

Some students require modifications to physical education activities.

Adaptive PE may focus on:

  • Motor development

  • Coordination

  • Physical fitness

  • Participation in recreational activities

School Nurse Services

Certain medical needs may require nursing support during the school day.

Examples include:

  • Medication administration

  • Diabetes management

  • Feeding tube support

  • Seizure monitoring

  • Health care plans

One-to-One Aide or Paraprofessional

Some students need additional adult support throughout the school day.

A paraprofessional may assist with:

  • Safety monitoring

  • Behavioral support

  • Academic engagement

  • Physical assistance

  • Transition support

The goal is always to promote independence whenever possible.

Transportation Services

Special transportation may be included when necessary for a child to access education.

Examples include:

  • Door-to-door transportation

  • Specialized buses

  • Wheelchair-accessible transportation

  • Transportation aide support

Extended School Year (ESY)

Some students qualify for services during school breaks if they are at risk of significant skill regression.

ESY may include:

  • Academic instruction

  • Related services

  • Therapeutic supports

These services often occur during the summer months.

Transition Services

Beginning no later than age 16 (earlier in some states), students should receive transition planning services.

Areas addressed may include:

  • Postsecondary education

  • Employment

  • Independent living

  • Community participation

  • Vocational training

The goal is to prepare students for life after high school.

Accommodations and Modifications

While not technically services, accommodations and modifications are important parts of many IEPs.

Examples include:

Accommodations

  • Extended time

  • Small-group testing

  • Preferential seating

  • Frequent breaks

  • Read-aloud support

  • Visual schedules

Modifications

  • Reduced workload

  • Modified assignments

  • Alternative grading standards

  • Simplified curriculum expectations

 

Books That Can Help Parents Understand and Choose Appropriate IEP Services

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to determine which services may best meet your child's needs. The following books are widely respected by educators, advocates, therapists, and parents. They can help families better understand disabilities, educational rights, intervention options, and the services that may be appropriate for their children.

General Special Education and IEP Advocacy

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy by Peter Wright and Pamela Wright

Often considered one of the most valuable resources for parents, this book explains:

  • How the special education process works

  • Understanding evaluations and assessments

  • Writing effective parent concerns

  • Preparing for IEP meetings

  • Advocating for appropriate services and placements

Best for: Parents who want to become informed advocates for their children.

The Complete IEP Guide by Lawrence Siegel

This practical guide explains:

  • Every section of the IEP

  • Parent rights under IDEA

  • Evaluations and eligibility

  • Accommodations and modifications

  • Service recommendations

Best for: Families new to the IEP process.

Reading Disabilities and Dyslexia

Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.

This highly respected book explains:

  • Signs of dyslexia at different ages

  • Evidence-based reading interventions

  • Appropriate school supports

  • Reading accommodations

  • Assistive technology options

Best for: Parents of children with dyslexia or reading difficulties.

Possible services discussed:

  • Specialized reading instruction

  • Orton-Gillingham-based intervention

  • Resource room support

  • Assistive technology

The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben Foss

This book focuses on helping families advocate for effective services and accommodations.

Topics include:

  • School supports

  • Assistive technology

  • Self-advocacy

  • College preparation

Best for: Older students and their families.

ADHD and Executive Functioning

Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare

This book helps parents identify executive functioning weaknesses and provides strategies for improvement.

Areas covered include:

  • Organization

  • Planning

  • Time management

  • Task initiation

  • Emotional regulation

Possible services discussed:

  • Executive functioning support

  • Counseling

  • Organizational coaching

  • Classroom accommodations

Best for: Children with ADHD, executive functioning deficits, or learning disabilities.

Taking Charge of ADHD by Russell Barkley, Ph.D.

A trusted resource explaining:

  • ADHD symptoms

  • Evidence-based interventions

  • School accommodations

  • Behavioral supports

Possible services discussed:

  • Behavioral intervention plans

  • Counseling

  • Classroom accommodations

  • Organizational supports

Autism and Social Communication

The Autism Sourcebook by Karen Siff Exkorn

This comprehensive guide discusses:

  • Educational programming

  • Related services

  • Therapies

  • Social supports

Possible services discussed:

  • Speech-language therapy

  • Social skills groups

  • Occupational therapy

  • Behavioral supports

Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant, Ph.D.

This book provides a compassionate perspective on autism and explains how supportive educational environments can foster success.

Best for: Parents seeking a strengths-based understanding of autism.

Speech and Language Disorders

The Late Talker by Marilyn Agin, Lisa Geng, and Malcolm Nicholl

Topics include:

  • Speech delays

  • Language disorders

  • Evaluation processes

  • Intervention options

Possible services discussed:

  • Speech-language therapy

  • Early intervention services

  • Classroom supports

Sensory Processing and Occupational Therapy

The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz

This classic resource explains sensory processing challenges and how they affect learning and behavior.

Possible services discussed:

  • Occupational therapy

  • Sensory accommodations

  • Classroom supports

  • Environmental modifications

Best for: Parents whose children struggle with sensory regulation.

Behavior and Emotional Regulation

The Explosive Child by Ross Greene, Ph.D.

This book focuses on understanding and supporting children who struggle with frustration tolerance and flexibility.

Possible services discussed:

  • Counseling

  • Behavioral supports

  • Social skills training

  • Positive behavior intervention plans

Mathematics Disabilities (Dyscalculia)

The Dyscalculia Toolkit by Ronit Bird

This practical guide helps parents understand:

  • Dyscalculia

  • Number sense difficulties

  • Intervention strategies

Possible services discussed:

  • Specialized math instruction

  • Resource room services

  • Accommodations for math assessments

Transition Planning and Life Skills

The Parent's Guide to Transition Planning by Mary Korpi

This resource helps families prepare students for adulthood.

Topics include:

  • Employment

  • Postsecondary education

  • Independent living

  • Community participation

Possible services discussed:

  • Transition services

  • Vocational assessments

  • Community-based instruction

A Final Note for Parents

No single book can tell you exactly which services your child needs. The most effective decisions are based on a combination of:

  • Comprehensive evaluations

  • Teacher observations

  • Parent input

  • Therapy reports

  • Academic performance data

  • Your child's unique strengths and challenges

As you learn more about your child's needs, these resources can help you become a knowledgeable member of the IEP team and advocate for services that support meaningful educational progress.

Remember: The goal is not to obtain the most services possible—it is to obtain the right services that allow your child to learn, grow, and become increasingly independent.

Final Thoughts

An IEP is designed to provide the individualized support a child needs to succeed in school. Every child is different, and not every service will be appropriate for every student. Parents are important members of the IEP team and should feel empowered to ask questions, request evaluations, and discuss services that may help their child make meaningful progress.

The more families understand the range of available special education services, the better equipped they are to advocate for the supports their children need to thrive both academically and socially.

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