If occupational therapy is missing from the schedule, find the IEP recommendation and ask how it's being provided. Note difficulties with school tasks as well as appointment dates.
Name the school tasks involved
Review the IEP goals and describe practical concerns such as using classroom materials or completing written assignments. Save a dated example if you have one. Avoid treating every difficult task as proof of a service failure; the team can help distinguish a missed session from a concern about whether the existing program meets your child's needs.
Check delivery details
Ask whether the session was provided in the classroom or another setting, and request records for the period in question. A child may not describe a classroom-based service as therapy. Compare the actual record with the IEP, including frequency, duration, and group size, before drawing a conclusion.
Keep two requests clear
Ask when the recommended service will be provided going forward. Separately, ask how the school will address the time you believe was missed. If you're considering an outside provider, confirm the applicable authorization and payment process before scheduling. Don't assume an IEP recommendation alone approves a private invoice.
Your next-step checklist
- Copy the current occupational therapy recommendation.
- Request records for the dates you're concerned about.
- Ask who is responsible for the next service update.
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Related guides
Official background: NYCPS: Related services. Sources checked October 15, 2026. These checklists help organize your questions; follow current official instructions and your own documents.
General information, not legal advice. Time limits apply. Speak to a qualified advocate or attorney about your situation.
