Understanding the Service Delivery Grid in an IEP
The Service Delivery Grid in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is like a roadmap outlining the types of support, who will provide them, and where they will occur. This grid breaks down each service—whether it’s additional help from a special education teacher, sessions with a counselor, or time with a speech therapist—so that you can see how your child’s time is structured each week. Though it may seem complex at first, understanding the Service Delivery Grid can help you feel confident that your child is receiving the support they need to thrive.
What Is the Service Delivery Grid?
The Service Delivery Grid is a table listing all the services and supports your child will receive through their IEP. It includes any specialists, like special education teachers, speech therapists, or behavior specialists, who will work with your child. It also outlines how often each service will occur and where it will take place, whether in the general classroom, in a resource room, or in a different setting.
Breaking Down the Grid: Sections A, B, and C
The Service Delivery Grid is divided into three parts, each representing different types of services:
Grid A (Consultation Services): This section covers indirect support, meaning that your child isn’t directly involved. Instead, it’s a way for your child’s support team to coordinate and share information. For example, a speech therapist might meet weekly with your child’s teacher to discuss language techniques for use in the classroom, or a behavior specialist might connect with you to offer strategies for routines at home. These consultations help ensure that everyone working with your child is on the same page.
Grid B (In-Class or “Push-In” Services): Grid B includes services that happen right in the general education classroom. These “push-in” services allow specialists, like a special education teacher, to join your child’s class and offer extra support in a small group. For example, if your child needs support with reading, a special education teacher might work with them in a small group within their regular classroom, helping them practice skills in a familiar setting alongside peers.
Grid C (Out-of-Class or “Pull-Out” Services): This section is for services that take place outside the general classroom. These “pull-out” services are provided in a different setting, such as a quieter resource room, where your child can focus better on specialized instruction. For example, your child might go to a speech therapy session or practice social skills in a small group setting.
What Do the Columns Mean?
Each grid section contains several columns providing detailed information about each service:
Goal Focus: This identifies the IEP goal each service addresses, such as improving social skills or developing communication abilities.
Service Type: This specifies the type of support, like speech therapy, counseling, or academic support.
Personnel: This column names the type of professional responsible for delivering the service, like “SPED staff” (special education staff) or other specialists.
Frequency and Duration: This explains how often and how long each service will be provided, such as “2x30 minutes per cycle,” indicating your child will receive this service twice per cycle, for 30 minutes each session.
Start and End Dates: These dates show the timeline for each service, often covering the length of the IEP period.
Why the Service Delivery Grid Matters
The Service Delivery Grid helps ensure that your child receives the right mix of support, both in and out of the classroom. Reviewing the grid can help you understand where your child will spend their time, what services they’ll receive, and who will be involved in helping them meet their goals. If anything is unclear, it’s essential to ask questions during IEP meetings—this plan is specifically designed for your child’s success.
By understanding the Service Delivery Grid and its sections, you can better support your child’s learning journey and make sure they are equipped with the resources and assistance they need to succeed.