Why So Many IEPs Are Missing Services Right Now — And What Parents Can Do About It
- Jake Fishbein
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
If it feels like your child’s IEP promises more than it delivers, you’re not imagining it.
Parents everywhere are seeing the same thing: services that should happen like clockwork are delayed, skipped, or quietly watered down. It’s frustrating, it’s discouraging — and it’s more common than anyone would like to admit.
The good news? There’s a clear path to getting things back on track. Let’s dig into why this is happening, and what you can do — right now — to make sure your child gets the support they deserve.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now
If you’ve felt like you’re constantly chasing down services this year — you’re not alone. Parents everywhere are noticing gaps: services promised in the IEP aren’t happening as written, or they’re happening in ways that feel rushed, inconsistent, or even invisible.
Here’s what’s causing it:
Schools are stretched too thin. Special education teachers, aides, speech therapists, and occupational therapists are in short supply. Some schools are operating with a fraction of the staff they actually need.
Schedules are a mess. Service providers are juggling too many students, and sessions are getting squeezed between testing schedules, assemblies, and classroom instruction. It’s not always deliberate — but services are quietly slipping through the cracks.
Caseloads have exploded. Case managers and therapists are managing more students than is reasonable, which means less time and attention for each child.
Fallout from the pandemic isn’t over. Even as schools try to return to normal, many are still catching up on missed services from prior years, leaving kids with current needs waiting.
The frustrating part?
These aren’t small glitches. They’re signs of a system under serious strain. And while educators are doing their best under tough circumstances, the reality is: your child’s services aren’t supposed to be optional.
They’re a legal commitment. A promise made in writing.
But if you’re not looking closely, it’s far too easy for missed services to pile up unnoticed — until progress slows, or your child’s goals go unmet.
Quick gut check: Have you noticed any of these?
Your child’s therapy or support sessions happening less often than expected
Sessions being canceled or rescheduled without clear explanation
Progress reports that feel vague, like “making progress” but no specifics
Goals that seem one-size-fits-all instead of targeted for your child
If so, you’re right to have questions. And you’re absolutely right to take action.
Why IEPs Missing Services is a Problem
Let’s be clear: when IEP services are missed isn’t just a missed appointment. It’s a missed opportunity for your child to build skills, make progress, and reach their potential.
When services don’t happen:
Learning slows down — or even backslides.
Gaps in skills widen, making future goals harder to reach.
Progress monitoring gets messy. Without the right support in place, the data that’s supposed to track your child’s growth becomes unreliable.
And here’s the thing: these impacts don’t magically correct themselves over the summer. What’s missed now will still need to be made up — and the longer it takes, the harder it is to close the gap.
This is why it’s so important to step in early. The sooner you start asking questions, the sooner you can help your child catch up.
What You Can Do About It (Starting Today)
Here’s the action plan for handling IEPs missing services. Even small steps can make a real difference.
1. Start Tracking What’s Happening
You don’t need anything fancy. Just start writing down:
When services happen (or don’t)
What your child says about their sessions
Any updates or cancellations from the school
Keeping a simple log will give you a clear picture over time — and it’s incredibly helpful if you need to push for corrections later.
Tip: Highlighter lets you upload notes and documents in one place, so you can stay organized without the overwhelm.
2. Request Service Delivery Records
Yes — you’re entitled to see them. Schools keep logs of the services they provide, and you have every right to ask for a copy.
Here’s a script you can use:
“Hi [Case Manager], I’d like to request the service delivery logs for my child’s speech therapy and occupational therapy sessions this school year. Thank you!”
Getting these records is the fastest way to confirm what’s actually being provided.
3. Request a Team Meeting
You don’t have to wait for the annual review. If services are slipping, ask for an IEP meeting now.
In this meeting, you can:
Review the records together
Document any missed services
Develop a clear plan to get things back on track
You’ll walk away with shared understanding and a documented action plan.
4. Ask About Compensatory Services
If services were missed, schools should provide make-up time — it’s called compensatory education.
This might feel like an uncomfortable conversation, but you’re not asking for anything extra. You’re asking for what your child was already promised.
Here’s an easy way to start:
“Given the services that were missed, what is the team’s plan for providing compensatory education so my child can catch up?”
It signals you know your rights, and it opens the door for solutions.
5. Know When to Escalate (If Needed)
Most issues can be resolved with documentation and teamwork. But if your concerns aren’t addressed, you do have options:
Reach out to your district’s special education office.
File an informal state complaint.
Contact your local parent center for support and guidance.
We always recommend starting with the team approach, but it’s important to know your backup routes — just in case.
You’ve Got This — And We’ve Got Your Back
If you’re noticing gaps in your child’s services, trust your instincts. You’re not overreacting. You’re stepping in exactly when your child needs you most.
By tracking what’s happening, asking the right questions, and pushing for solutions, you’re helping make sure your child gets the support they’re entitled to — not just on paper, but in real life.
And if you need a little extra support along the way? Highlighter is here to help you keep everything organized and in one place, so you can stay focused on what matters most: your child’s progress.
P.S. Need help keeping track of services and notes? Highlighter was built by parents who’ve been exactly where you are. Try it free today and stay ahead of the curve.
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