Virtual Special Education Services: IEP Services and Live Instruction for Schools

Students with IEPs are entitled to the services in their plans, whether or not a district can hire enough special education teachers. Virtual special education services help districts deliver IEP services and specialized instruction when local staffing falls short.

What are IEP services?

IEP services are the specialized instruction, accommodations and related services written into a student’s Individualized Education Program. They can include small-group or one-on-one instruction in a resource room setting, support in general education classes, and related services such as speech therapy.

The special education teacher shortage

For 2026–27, 40 of the 50 states plus D.C. list special education as a teacher shortage area with the U.S. Department of Education. When positions stay open, districts struggle to deliver the minutes and services in students’ IEPs.

What a good program looks like

• Teachers with the right special education certification for your state
• Instruction targeted to each student’s IEP goals and accommodations
• Progress monitoring your team can see and document
• Collaboration with your special education team, case managers and related service providers
• Flexible formats: small group, one-on-one or co-teaching support

Questions to ask any provider

A good provider should start by asking about your district: your students, your schedule, your staffing and what has or hasn’t worked before. Then ask:

1. Do your teachers hold special education certification in our state?
2. How do you align instruction to each student’s IEP goals and accommodations?
3. How will our team see progress monitoring data?
4. How do you collaborate with our case managers and special education staff?
5. Can you also provide related services and case management?
6. How quickly can a teacher start?

Virtual special education services from Fullmind

With Fullmind, educators with Students with Disabilities certifications provide targeted live instruction on IEP goals and accommodations, with notifications to the school and on-platform progress monitoring, in collaboration with the school’s special education team. Fullmind also provides related services (speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, school psychology, social work and mental health counseling) and case management, so one partner can support instruction, services and coordination together.

Every district has a dedicated account manager and access to Fullmind’s success managers. Fullmind doesn’t lock districts into rigid contracts, and districts don’t have to use everything they sign up for, so support can grow or shrink as needs change.

Results

In a large Midwestern district, students with IEPs who started 68 points behind grew 14 and 9 points on the STAR assessment with Fullmind educators, compared with 0 and −1 for their peers.*

*Elevate K-12, now part of Fullmind

How to fund special education services

Special education instruction is typically funded through IDEA Part B along with state and local special education funds. Check eligibility and allowable uses with your federal programs coordinator.

How to get started with Fullmind

1. Tell us about your district. An education consultant learns about your students, schedule, staffing and goals.
2. Get a plan built around your needs. We recommend the right service, or combination of services, and the right format.
3. Meet your educators. We match certified teachers or licensed specialists to your students and your state’s requirements.
4. Start learning and track progress. Instruction begins on your schedule, and your team sees attendance and progress as it happens.

Related guides

• Special education case management
• Virtual speech therapy and related services

Talk with Fullmind

Tell us about your students’ IEP needs and where you have staffing gaps, and we’ll show you what support could look like. Build your plan, book a time, or learn more about virtual special education services.

Frequently asked questions

What are examples of IEP services?

Examples include specialized instruction in a resource room or small group, co-teaching support in general education classes, accommodations such as extended time, and related services such as speech therapy or counseling.

Can special education be taught virtually?

Yes. Virtual special education teachers can deliver live instruction aligned to IEP goals and accommodations, working with the school’s special education team.

Who decides which IEP services a student receives?

The student’s IEP team, which includes the family, decides the services, how often they’re provided and where.