What this means
IDEA describes several categories: special education, meaning specially designed instruction; related services; supplementary aids and services; program modifications; and supports for school personnel.
The IEP must state the projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications, and their anticipated frequency, location and duration. These are required elements of the document.
Service entries are often written in shorthand. If a description is vague, it is reasonable to ask what it means in everyday practice during a normal school day.
"Who provides it?" is a useful parent question, though provider identity is not one of the specific service-delivery details IDEA requires in §300.320(a)(7).
What you may see
- A service grid or table listing each service with a start date, frequency, location and duration
- Related services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy or counseling
- Supplementary aids and services, and supports provided to school staff rather than directly to the student
- Program modifications listed alongside services
Follow the thread
- Present levels
- Annual goal
- Services and supports
- Progress
Questions to consider
- What is being provided?
- When does it begin?
- How often, and for how long?
- Where will it happen?
- What need or goal is it intended to support?
- If a scheduled service is not provided, how will I know, and what is the school's process for addressing missed services?
What you may want to write down
- Each service, with start date, frequency, location and duration, in your own words
- Questions about anything described in shorthand or acronyms
- What you were told about how missed services are handled
Sources and review
Last reviewed: September 10, 2026. This page was reviewed by IEP Pathway against the sources below. State, district and school practices can differ from the federal baseline, so confirm local procedures with your school or state education agency.
Sources
- IDEA §300.320 — Definition of individualized education program
- IDEA §300.320(a)(4) — Special education, related services and supplementary aids and services
- IDEA §300.320(a)(7) — Projected start date, frequency, location and duration of services
- OSEP policy letter to McAndrews and Ramirez (September 5, 2024)
- OSEP policy letter to Rowland (September 9, 2019)
- CPIR — Service delivery statement
Important note
This site provides educational information, organizational tools and printable resources. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, any school district, government agency, attorney, law firm or advocacy organization. For advice about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.