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Accessing Related Services for School-Aged Children: Support and Resources in the United States

Updated: Jul 15, 2023

As a parent, ensuring that your school-aged child receives the support they need is crucial for their academic and personal growth. In the United States, there are various related services available to assist children with diverse needs. These services play a vital role in addressing educational, developmental, and health-related challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the range of related services accessible to school-aged children across the United States, providing parents with valuable information and resources.


Let's Dive in!


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1. Individualized Education Program (IEP):

The IEP is a legally mandated document designed to support students with disabilities. It outlines the specific educational goals, accommodations, and related services needed to meet the individual needs of the child. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling are often provided through the IEP process.


2. Speech and Language Therapy:

Speech and language therapy focuses on improving communication skills in areas such as speech articulation, language comprehension, and social communication. Many schools have speech and language therapists who work with students individually or in group settings to enhance their communication abilities.


3. Occupational Therapy:

Occupational therapy aims to enhance a child's fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and independence in daily activities. Occupational therapists work with students to improve handwriting, coordination, attention, and adaptive skills necessary for success in school and daily life.


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4. Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy focuses on improving gross motor skills, strength, balance, and mobility. Physical therapists assist students in overcoming physical challenges that may affect their participation in school activities, sports, and overall physical well-being.



5. School Counseling Services:

School counselors play a crucial role in supporting students' social, emotional, and mental health needs. They provide guidance, counseling, and support to help students navigate personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and enhance overall well-being.


6. Behavioral Support Services:

Behavioral support services address behavioral challenges that may impede a child's academic progress or social interactions. These services may involve behavior intervention plans, positive behavior support strategies, and counseling to assist students in developing appropriate behaviors and social skills.


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7. Assistive Technology:

Assistive technology encompasses devices, tools, and software that support students with disabilities in accessing the curriculum, communication, and independence. Examples include communication devices, text-to-speech software, and adaptive tools for writing or mobility.


8. Specialized Health Services:

Some school districts provide specialized health services such as nursing support, medication administration, and management of specific health conditions to ensure students' well-being and safety during school hours.


The United States offers a wide range of related services to support school-aged children in their educational journey. From individualized education programs to various therapies and counseling services, these resources are designed to address the unique needs of students with diverse abilities. The ones listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. As a parent, familiarize yourself with the available services, communicate with school administrators, and actively participate in the development of your child's individualized plan. By accessing related services, you can empower your child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, fostering their overall growth and success. for an more in depth look into the law as well as an explanation of the related services, please visit parentcenterhub.org.


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