Can the school conduct a reevaluation without my consent?

No, not for a reevaluation that involves new testing. The school must obtain your written consent before administering any new evaluations. If the school is reviewing existing data only (no new testing), they may not need consent for that review, but should notify you.

The school says they can just review existing records instead of new testing. Is that allowed?

Yes, but only if the team determines existing data is sufficient to establish continued eligibility and current needs. If you believe new testing is needed because the data is outdated or incomplete, you can advocate for it. You can also request an IEE if you disagree with assessment decisions.

Can I waive the reevaluation?

Yes, the school may ask you to sign a document agreeing a reevaluation is not necessary. You are not required to agree. If you have any questions about whether current data is still accurate, declining to waive and requesting a full reevaluation is the safer choice.

What if the reevaluation results say my child is no longer eligible?

Don't sign anything you disagree with at the meeting. Ask for more time to review. You can request an IEE, file a state complaint, or request a due process hearing. Losing eligibility means losing services, this decision deserves careful scrutiny, especially if your child is still struggling.

State IEP Rights

IEP Rights in Connecticut: What Parents Need to Know

Q: Where can Connecticut families get free advocacy help?

SERC (State Education Resource Center) provides family support and information. Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) is the state's Parent Training and Information (PTI) center. Disability Rights Connecticut is the state's P&A organization.

Connecticut has some distinct state special education rules, including the use of Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings. Here's what families need to know.

Meghan Moore, BCBA, M.A. Special Education

Connecticut Special Education Overview

Special education in Connecticut is governed by IDEA and Connecticut General Statutes Sections 10-76a through 10-76ll, along with Connecticut Regulations of State Agencies (CRSA) Sections 10-76a-1 through 10-76d-19. The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) oversees compliance through its Bureau of Special Education.

Connecticut uses some distinct terminology, most notably calling IEP meetings "Planning and Placement Team" (PPT) meetings.

The Planning and Placement Team (PPT)

Connecticut refers to the group that develops and reviews IEPs as the Planning and Placement Team (PPT). The PPT functions identically to an IEP team under federal law. It includes parents, the student when appropriate, general and special education teachers, a school representative, and others with relevant knowledge of the child.

Connecticut law requires that PPT meetings be held in a location and at a time that is mutually convenient for parents and staff. Parents must receive at least 5 school days' advance notice of a PPT meeting, and the notice must include the purpose, time, and location of the meeting.

Evaluation Timelines

Connecticut must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent. After the evaluation, a PPT meeting must be held and the IEP developed within 45 calendar days. Services must begin as soon as the IEP is finalized.

Connecticut-Specific Parental Rights

Connecticut has several notable state-specific provisions:

Parents have the right to record PPT meetings with advance notice to the school
Schools must provide parents with a copy of the proposed IEP before the PPT meeting, not just at it
Connecticut requires schools to notify parents of their right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense when they disagree with the school's evaluation

Dispute Resolution in Connecticut

State Complaints

State complaints are filed with the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. CSDE must investigate and issue a written decision within 60 calendar days.

Contact: CSDE Bureau of Special Education
Phone: 860-713-6910
Website: portal.ct.gov/SDE/Special-Education

Mediation

Voluntary mediation is available at no cost to parents through CSDE. Connecticut has a strong mediation program and many disputes resolve at this stage. Mediation sessions are confidential and any agreement is legally binding.

Due Process

Due process hearings in Connecticut are conducted by independent hearing officers. Either parent or district can file. Connecticut uses the federal IDEA two-year statute of limitations. After filing, there is a 30-day resolution period.

Connecticut-Specific Resources

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)

CPAC is Connecticut's federally funded Parent Training and Information (PTI) center. CPAC provides free training, information, and individual advocacy support to families of children with disabilities.

Website: cpacinc.org
Phone: 860-739-3089

Disability Rights Connecticut

Disability Rights Connecticut is the state's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization. They provide legal services and advocacy in special education cases.

Website: disabilityrightsct.org
Phone: 860-297-4300

Key Things to Know in Connecticut

Connecticut calls IEP meetings "PPT meetings" (Planning and Placement Team)
Parents must receive at least 5 school days' advance notice of a PPT meeting
IEPs must be developed within 45 calendar days after the evaluation
State complaints go to CSDE's Bureau of Special Education
CPAC offers free advocacy support
Disability Rights Connecticut provides legal services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) in Connecticut?

Connecticut uses the term Planning and Placement Team (PPT) instead of IEP team. The PPT develops and reviews the IEP and makes placement decisions. It functions identically to an IEP team under federal law.

How long does Connecticut have to evaluate my child for special education?

Connecticut must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent. After evaluation, a PPT meeting must be held and the IEP developed within 45 calendar days.

Where do I file a special education complaint in Connecticut?

State complaints are filed with the CSDE Bureau of Special Education. CSDE must investigate and issue a decision within 60 calendar days.

Where can Connecticut families get free advocacy help?

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) is the state's PTI center and provides free support. Disability Rights Connecticut is the state's P&A organization and provides legal services.