Understanding the IEP Service Delivery Grid
The Service Delivery Grid in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is like a roadmap that explains what services your child will receive, who will provide them, and where they’ll take place. If you’re new to special education, the grid can seem complicated, but understanding it can really help you make sense of your child’s plan and ensure they get the right support. Let’s walk through what this grid means and how it’s broken down.
What Is the Service Delivery Grid?
The Service Delivery Grid is a table that lists all the services and supports your child will receive through their IEP. This includes any specialists—such as special education teachers, speech therapists, or behavior specialists—who will work with your child. It also details how much time each service will take and where it will happen. For instance, a child with autism might get some services in the classroom alongside peers and other services in a quiet setting like a resource room.
Understanding Grids A, B, and C
The Service Delivery Grid is split into three parts—Grids A, B, and C—that outline the types of services and where they’ll take place:
Grid A (Consultation Services): This part is for consultations between specialists, teachers, and sometimes you, the parent. These aren’t services provided directly to your child. Instead, they’re for coordinating between team members to make sure everyone knows your child’s needs and how to help them best. For example, a speech therapist might meet with your child’s teacher weekly to share strategies for supporting language development in the classroom.
Grid B (In-Class Support or “Push-In” Services): Grid B covers services delivered right in the general education classroom. A special education teacher might join your child’s regular class to provide extra support in a small group. This “push-in” model helps your child work on specific skills, like reading or social interaction, without leaving the classroom. It’s also great for reinforcing skills in real-life settings.
Grid C (Out-of-Class or “Pull-Out” Services): Grid C is for services outside the general classroom. This might be a quieter space, like a resource room, where your child can focus better. If your child receives specialized instruction, such as social skills practice or speech therapy, this is where you’ll see those sessions scheduled. For children in a separate classroom most of the time, most services will be listed here.
What Do the Columns Mean?
Each grid has several columns that provide detailed information about each service. Here’s what they mean:
Goal Focus: This is a specific IEP goal that the service addresses, like improving social skills or developing communication abilities.
Service Type: This specifies the kind of support, like speech therapy, counseling, or academic support.
Personnel: This is the type of professional responsible for delivering the service. If it lists “SPED staff,” for example, that means a special education staff member, but it’s always good to ask about their qualifications if needed.
Frequency and Duration: This is how often and for how long the service will be provided. If it says “2x30 minutes per cycle,” your child will get that service twice per cycle (often once a week, depending on your school’s schedule) for 30 minutes each time.
Start and End Dates: These show the timeline for each service, usually matching the length of the IEP period, but sometimes covering just a few weeks for short-term support.
Why the Service Delivery Grid Matters
The Service Delivery Grid ensures your child receives the right mix of support, whether it’s in the classroom or in a separate space. Reviewing it can help you understand where your child’s time will be spent and who will be involved in helping them meet their goals. It’s okay to ask questions at IEP meetings to make sure each service is clear—after all, this plan is tailored for your child’s success.
With the right services in place, the Service Delivery Grid can help make sure your child has the support they need to thrive.