Introduction

All school districts throughout Connecticut should have a shared understanding of the statutory and regulatory requirements for the provision of special education and related services to eligible students. This manual is a resource to assist all educational stakeholders to foster a shared understanding and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. While the use of this manual, in whole or in part, is not required, the content has been designed to inform and guide users in fulfilling the requirements of both state and federal special education statutes and implementing regulations. Connecticut school districts are encouraged to use this manual as a template for their own procedures and practices manual. School district staff should use this manual in conjunction with the Procedural Safeguards Notice,¹ the Connecticut IEP Manual,² Bureau of Special Education³ publications, special education statutes and regulations as well as guidance from state and federal authorities.

School districts should adapt this manual to align with local procedures, which may include specific staff names and roles and links to district specific documents or websites. School districts will need to update the manual, as needed, to remain current with federal and state special education statutes and implementing regulations. Use of this manual does not guarantee compliance with the complex statutory and regulatory requirements related to the provision of special education services. All districts should consult with their legal counsel if any question or issue arises in the interpretation of or delivery of services related to those requirements.

1. PLACEHOLDER Procedural Safeguards link
2. https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Special-Education/Connecticut-IEP-Manual
3. https://portal.ct.gov/sde/special-education/bureau-of-special-education