Compensatory Education: A Guide for Families Navigating IEP Gaps
Disclaimer:
This post is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. I’m a parent and advocate—not an attorney. Always consult with a legal expert if you need legal support or are navigating a complex situation.
Hello, and Welcome
As a parent of a neurodivergent child, especially as a Black woman in spaces that weren’t built for us, I’ve learned the hard way that just because something is written in the IEP doesn’t mean it gets done. I know what it feels like to sit in meetings where everyone nods and agrees—yet your child still doesn’t get what they need.
This guide is meant for families like mine. Families who are juggling multiple jobs, raising children who may not be able to self-advocate yet, and trying to navigate systems that were never really built with our communities in mind. Let’s talk about what compensatory education is, how to get it, and how to protect your child’s educational rights with real receipts.
1. What is Compensatory Education?
Compensatory education refers to extra educational services that a school must provide to make up for what your child did not receive. It’s about righting a wrong—not punishment, but repair.
It could look like:
Extra tutoring to catch up on missed reading instruction
Occupational therapy outside of school hours
Summer services (beyond ESY)
Small group or 1:1 support during weekends or school breaks
Example:
My son was supposed to receive behavioral support through a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) for 12 weeks. After five months and multiple emails, I realized no services were delivered. That’s when I learned about compensatory education—and demanded make-up services.
2. When Does Compensatory Education Apply?
It applies when your child:
Misses services listed in their IEP or 504 Plan
Doesn’t receive promised accommodations (like breaks, visual aids, or small group testing)
Is denied FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) in any form
Example:
A family I supported had a child with dyslexia who was supposed to receive 60 minutes of specialized reading instruction per week. The teacher had no training, and the sessions were irregular. After documenting this, the family requested compensatory education and secured a private Orton-Gillingham tutor funded by the district.
3. Legal Basis for Compensatory Education
Compensatory education comes from IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)—a federal law that ensures students with disabilities get what they need to succeed.
Key Legal Points:
FAPE: Your child must receive a Free Appropriate Public Education.
IEP Services: If something in the IEP isn’t delivered, your child’s rights are being violated.
Remedy: Compensatory services are the fix when FAPE hasn’t been provided.
4. How to Know if Your Child Qualifies
Start here:
✅ Review the IEP or 504 Plan – What services were promised?
✅ Document missed services – Dates, times, and how often they were skipped
✅ Note regression – Is your child falling behind in skills they once had?
Tip: Keep a binder, spreadsheet, or even a note in your phone tracking everything. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just consistent.
5. How to Request Compensatory Education
Step 1: Gather Receipts (Documentation)
IEP/504 Plans
Emails and progress reports
Notes from meetings or observations
Step 2: Request a Meeting
Send a written request for an IEP meeting focused specifically on missed services.
📝 Sample Message:
“I am requesting an IEP meeting to discuss missed services for [Child’s Name]. Over the past [# months], they did not receive [specific services]. I would like to explore compensatory education options.”
Step 3: Propose Solutions
Come with ideas:
After-school support
A different service provider
Parent-selected tutoring paid by the school
Step 4: Escalate If Needed
If the school resists:
File a state complaint
Request mediation
Ask for a due process hearing
6. Making Sure the School Follows Through
🎯 Monitor Services
Ask for written schedules and progress updates
Log dates and times of services delivered
💬 Speak Up if It’s Not Enough
Ask for another meeting if services aren’t working
Bring in an advocate if needed
7. FAQs (Real Questions from Real Parents)
Q: Will my child get exactly the number of hours they missed?
A: Not always. The school team decides what’s “appropriate,” but you can advocate for what your child truly needs to catch up.
Q: Can I pick the provider?
A: Sometimes. Districts may offer their own provider, but you can ask for reimbursement for private providers if the district failed significantly.
Q: What if I didn’t know services were missed until months later?
A: You still have options! You can request compensatory services for past years—don’t be afraid to go back and review records.
8. My Experience as a Parent
When my son’s school failed to implement parts of his IEP, they never admitted fault. I had to bring the data, the emails, the progress reports—and a loud enough voice to be heard. It was emotionally exhausting. But once I learned the law, I realized I wasn’t just a mom complaining—I was a mom documenting. A mom demanding repair.
Compensatory education isn’t about revenge—it’s about restoration. Our kids deserve to thrive, not just survive school.
9. Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a single parent like me, or part of a busy household trying to do it all—you are your child’s most important advocate. Schools are public systems, and your child has a right to services that help them learn, grow, and succeed.
Don't let guilt, fear, or pushback from school teams keep you from asking for what your child deserves. Compensatory education is your right, not a favor.
🔗 Need more help?
Visit The IEP Files or follow me on Instagram @theiepfiles for tools, templates, and real talk from one parent to another.
