IEP Services

[Christi Blunt]

If an OT quits without giving notice, how is this service implemented on the IEP moving forward until the school hires a new OT? Are they required to continue services by outside agency? Does the school keep track of missing services until the school hires OT? Can a family request outside services to be provided and paid for from the school district until someone is hire? Thank you for your help!

[Carolyn Rowlett]

The school SHOULD track missing minutes and make those up, but I would suggest the parent to track, as well. 

There is some lenience, in terms of time, given to school districts due to staff shortages across the country.  I would suggest that if a month has gone by without a replacement hire or contracting with an outside provider, to give the school a 10 day notice letter (just to be safe) informing that the parents will be obtaining outside services for the OT with the expectation that they are reimbursed by the school district.  (I would suggest first consulting with the Kansas Dept of Education to see what they consider to be a "reasonable time" in this scenario.)

Some of my answers might change depending on the specific child.  Will he/she suffer or lose significant gains if OT is not established right away?  Is it provided on a fairly rigorous schedule under the IEP and therefore it would be difficult to "double up" in order to provide compensatory services once an OT is hired?  The actual fact scenario could be relevant.

[Christi Blunt]

Okay, this all makes sense and exactly what I was thinking. Thank you so much!