Service Plan

A Service Plan is a written plan that outlines special education and related services for students with disabilities who are placed in private schools. It is similar in format to an Individualized Education Program (IEP), but it is not the same and does not offer the same rights or level of services.

When to consider a Service Plan versus an IEP?

A Service Plan is used instead of an IEP when:

• The student is eligible for special education under IDEA.

• However, the parents may choose to enroll the student in a private school (including religious schools) at their own expense.

• Therefore, the student is not entitled to a full IEP through the public school system.

In such cases, the Local Education Agency (LEA) must still conduct evaluations and determine eligibility.

If eligible, the LEA may provide limited services through a Service Plan, but only using a portion of federal IDEA funds allocated for private school students.

A Service Plan is a scaled-back alternative to an IEP, used when families choose private education.

The student is still entitled to some services, but not the full benefits of an IEP. The scope of services is limited and determined by the LEA’s consultation process with private schools and parents.