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What Is Comp Ed (and Does My Kid Qualify)?

  • Writer: Jenny Webb
    Jenny Webb
  • Apr 7
  • 1 min read

A common question I get from families is: “What is compensatory education?”

Here’s the simple version: If your child didn’t get the special education services they were supposed to (or needed), Comp Ed is a way to make up for it.


Think of it like this: your child’s IEP is a contract. If the school didn’t follow it—or didn’t create a good one in the first place—they might owe your child extra help to “make up” for the missed services. That’s Compensatory Education.


When Can You Get Comp Ed?

  • The school didn’t follow the IEP

  • Services like speech or counseling weren’t provided

  • Your child didn’t make progress

  • Your child was never evaluated or identified (this is called Child Find)


What Can You Get with Comp Ed?

If you win a Comp Ed claim, you usually get a fund that can only be used on educational stuff, like:

  • Tutoring

  • Therapy or counseling

  • Social skills groups

  • Specialized programs or summer learning

  • Even transportation to services if needed


Why I Care

I’m a former Special Ed teacher and a parent to kids with disabilities. I’ve been on both sides of the table, and I know how frustrating it is when your child doesn’t get what they need. Comp Ed isn’t about blaming schools—it’s about giving your kid what they were promised.


If you think your child might qualify, let’s talk. I’m here to help you figure it out and get what your kid deserves.


 
 
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