7 Steps Parents Can Take When IEP Services Aren’t Met

Why Does It Matter?

When a child qualifies for special education, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is more than just a document; it’s a legal promise. Schools are bound to provide the services agreed upon in that IEP. Yet, many parents eventually face a painful reality: IEP services are not being delivered.

This isn’t just frustrating; it directly impacts your child’s learning progress, emotional well-being, and long-term success.

The good news? Parents have both the legal rights and practical tools to make sure schools are held accountable.

Let’s break down what you can do step by step.

Step 1: Recognize the Signs Early

Sometimes, schools don’t explicitly tell you that services aren’t happening. Instead, you may notice subtle gaps:

• Missed speech therapy sessions.
• Your child’s skills are not improving despite support.
• Vague progress updates.
• Inconsistency due to Staff Change.

Tip: Keep a communication log. Every time your child mentions a missed session or you notice a gap, write it down. This documentation is invaluable later.

Step 2: Request an IEP Review Meeting

When you suspect IEP services are not being delivered, don’t just email one teacher or staff member. That often turns into a “telephone game” with messages being passed around.

Instead, formally request an IEP Review Meeting in writing.

Here’s sample wording you can use:

“We are requesting a Review IEP Meeting to look at my child’s progress. Please provide three date and time options. We look forward to working together to resolve these concerns.”

This ensures the issue is addressed by the full IEP team, not just one individual.

Step 3: Ask Strategic Questions

At the meeting, don’t accuse the team of negligence. That approach usually creates defensiveness. Instead, ask pointed questions that require clear answers:

• How is speech therapy being implemented?
• Are the minutes and frequency we agreed upon happening?
• Where are sessions being held, and are they consistent?
• What data shows that progress is being made?

By framing questions this way, you move the team from vague promises to evidence-based answers.

Step 4: Compare Progress with the IEP Goals

Every IEP has measurable goals, like “increase reading fluency by 20 words per minute” or “use expressive language in 4 out of 5 opportunities.”

When IEP services are not being delivered, the data won’t line up with the goals.

Practical step:

• Review IEP progress reports each grading period (every 6–9 weeks).
• Compare actual performance against agreed-upon goals.
• If goals aren’t being met, it signals either lack of services or ineffective implementation.

Step 5: Document Everything

If you end up escalating the issue, written proof is your strongest tool. Keep:

• A parent's log of missed services.
• Copies of all emails.
• Progress reports.
• Notes from IEP meetings.

This documentation allows you to demonstrate patterns rather than one-off mistakes.

Step 6: Escalate When Necessary

If the review meeting doesn’t resolve the problem, you may need to escalate. Here are the next levels:

• Contact the special education director for your district.
• Request mediation (many districts offer this).
• File a state complaint or request a due process hearing if necessary.

These steps should be taken thoughtfully. Often, the threat of escalation is enough to get schools back on track.

Step 7: Focus on What Works for Your Child

Remember, more services don’t always equal better progress. Some IEPs overload students with therapy hours, leaving little time to generalize skills.

A better approach is balance:

• Service delivery.
• Generalization into classroom settings.
• Maintenance and fluency practice.

When advocating, focus on what truly helps your child succeed—not just ticking service boxes.The IEP journey is rarely simple, but you’re not powerless. By taking these steps, you can hold schools accountable and ensure your child’s needs are met. For more guides, resources, and real parent experiences, explore The Parenting Cipher.

FAQs: 

1. What rights do parents have if IEP services are not delivered?
   Parents have the right to request meetings, demand documentation, and file formal complaints under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
2. Should I go straight to a lawyer if services are missing?
   Not usually. Start with a review of the IEP meeting first. Legal action should be a last resort.
3. Can missed services be “made up”?
   Yes, compensatory services can sometimes be offered to make up for missed minutes.
4. How often should I check progress reports?
   Every 6–9 weeks (each grading period).

Conclusion

When you realize IEP services are not being delivered, it may feel overwhelming. But you are not powerless. By requesting meetings, asking smart questions, documenting everything, and escalating when necessary, you can ensure your child’s educational rights are upheld.

The key is “Persistence”, “Patience”, and knowing when to push forward. With the right approach, you’ll not only secure services but also strengthen your child’s long-term growth and confidence.