How should speech therapy be categorized in a student's IEP?

In the context of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), speech therapy is considered a direct service because it involves individualized instruction and support provided directly to the student by a qualified speech-language pathologist. This type of service is aimed at addressing specific communication needs that are critical for the student's educational success. Direct services ensure that the student receives personalized intervention tailored to their goals, allowing for targeted strategies and techniques to improve their speech and language skills.

The categorization of speech therapy as a direct service helps in defining the frequency and duration of the sessions, which are typically outlined in the IEP. This ensures that the student receives consistent and effective intervention, making it possible to monitor progress in a structured manner. While other categories like program modification or indirect support might refer to changes in the general educational environment or support provided to teachers, they do not encompass the one-on-one nature of speech therapy required for effective communication development.