The Connecticut State Board of Education believes that all students, including students with exceptionalities, are unique and influenced by cultural, linguistic, intellectual, psychological, health and economic factors. (Excerpt from the State Board of Education's Position Statement on the Education of Students with Exceptionalities)
Most Recent Announcements and Postings
Legislative Update Public Act (PA) 25-67 § 2 – Prevents Charging Entity from Increasing Charges After the Start of the School Year
As previously communicated in Series 2025-26: Circular Letter: C1, effective July 1, 2025, PA 25-67 § 2 mandates that a “charging entity” shall not increase the amount charged to a local or regional board of education for a service provided pursuant to an individualized education program (IEP) for a student during said school year, except a charging entity may increase or lower the total amount charged to such board if the charging entity adds or decreases the services provided pursuant to a change in such student's IEP. Read the full legislative update memorandum for detailed requirements, including a charging entity’s request to the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) of the need to increase the amount charged to a local or regional board of education that is not the result of an identified student need as determined by the planning and placement team. Questions related to this new requirement can be directed to Bryan Klimkiewicz at Bryan.Klimkiewicz@ct.gov and Jessica Brunetti at Jessica.Brunetti@ct.gov.
Legislative Update Public Act (PA) 25-93 § 22 – Required Written Notification for Staffing Changes
As previously communicated in Series 2025-26: Circular Letter: C1, effective July 1, 2025, PA 25-93 § 22 mandates that each regional educational service center and private provider of special education services, shall send written notification to the parent or legal guardian of a student receiving special education services, the responsible local or regional board of education, and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) regarding all staffing changes that impact the provision of special education services not later than five business days from the occurrence of the staffing change. Read the full legislative update memorandum for detailed requirements, including a mechanism for regional educational service centers and private providers of special education services to provide written notification to the CSDE. Questions related to this new requirement can be directed to Bryan Klimkiewicz at Bryan.Klimkiewcz@ct.gov.
Additional Updates
Legislation & Policy
- Legislative Update Public Act (PA) 25-67 – Mandate prior to placing a student in an out of district placement due to challenging behaviors (September 18, 2025)
- Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) Admissions Process – June 13, 2025 Memorandum to Directors of Special Education and Pupil Services
- Bureau Bulletin (May 24, 2023)
Resources & Tools
- NEW - BCBAs in Schools: Guidelines and Professional Standards for Connecticut
- Connecticut’s Assistive Technology Resource Hub: EASIERwithAT.org - The Connecticut State Department of Education, in collaboration with RESC Alliance, State Education Resource Center (SERC), and New England Assistive Technology (NEAT), has developed an assistive technology (AT) resource website for Educators, Families, and Students with Disabilities. Visit the website to find information and learn about free AT resources, Connecticut’s lending libraries, and tools to support education teams.
- Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA - The U.S. Department of Education released guidance in support of students with disabilities who may require assistive technology (AT) devices and services. The Offices of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Educational Technology (OET) provided the guidance “to increase understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s (IDEA’s) requirements regarding AT devices and services, and dispel common misconceptions regarding AT, while also providing examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities,” according to a Dear Colleague Letter accompanying the AT guidance.
- Connecticut IEP Manual (2022)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Resources
- Specific Learning Disability and SLD/Dyslexia Resources
IDEA Eligibility & Age 22 Extension
- CSDE Memorandum: Updated Guidance Regarding Public Act 23-137 Extending IDEA Eligibility Through the End of the School Year during which a Student Turns Age 22 (November 16, 2023)
- CSDE Memorandum: Public Act 23-137 Extends IDEA Eligibility through the End of the School Year during which a Student Turns Age 22 (July 14, 2023)
- Updated Guidance Regarding IDEA Eligibility Until Age 22 (A.R. v. CT State Board of Education)
- Updated Guidance Regarding IDEA Eligibility Extended Until Age 22 (July 24, 2020)
- CSDE Memorandum: IDEA Eligibility Extended until Age 22 (June 19, 2020)
- United States District Court for Connecticut Summary of Judgment
Contact
View the Bureau of Special Education staff directory for contact information.
Connecticut State Department of Education
Bureau of Special Education
P.O. Box 2219
Hartford, CT 06145-2219
(860) 713-6910, Fax (860) 713-7051