Provisional remedy: what it is and how to request it

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The provisional remedy (remedio provisional) is an alternative allowing Special Education Program students to receive services they are entitled to when the Department of Education lacks resources to provide them. The service is free for the family: the Department pays the provider directly.

Prerequisite

The service must be recommended by the COMPU and recorded in the PEI, the minutes or the Services Plan. Without that recommendation, provisional remedy cannot be requested. It does not apply to disputes over recommendations or evaluations: mediation and complaints exist for those cases (see the parents' rights guide).

Steps to request it

1. Ask the Department for the service. The Associate Secretariat for Special Education (SAEE) has 30 days to provide it. Keep the date you asked.
2. If it is not provided, complete form SAEE-09. Attach the PEI or minutes, the referral and any evaluations. Deliver it in person (Secretaría Unit, Special Education Services Center or Regional Education Office), by email, fax or postal mail.
3. The Secretaría Unit verifies. It registers the request and sends it to your region's CSEE. The CSEE has 20 days to report whether it has the service. If 20 days pass without a response, the provisional remedy is automatically approved.
4. If the Department does not have the service, you will receive an approval letter with your request number and a list of available providers. If it does, you will receive a letter with the day, time, place and specialist who will provide the service.
5. Choose a provider from your region's list. Give them the letter or request number and the PEI or minutes. The provider must be registered and approved by the Unit for the school year.
6. The contract is made in the REMpro system. It states services, frequency, place and cost per Department rates. Service cannot begin until the Unit approves the contract: the Department does not pay for services given before.

Deadlines to know

• 30 days for the Department to offer the service after you request it.
• 20 days for the CSEE to answer whether it has the resource.
• 90 days to identify and contract a provider after approval.
• Contracts are valid within the school year signed and only renew if the Department does not offer the services.

Contact

Secretaría Unit for Complaints and Provisional Remedy: phone (787) 759-2000, extensions 4625505, 4625513, 4625510, 4625525; email serviciosee_uspqrp@de.pr.gov.

To find therapists with verified licenses, visit the special education & therapy category.

General information, not legal or medical advice. Reviewed 2026-11-05.