IEP Service Delivery in Connecticut
How are IEP services delivered in Connecticut?
Connecticut mandates that a full continuum of placement options be available for students with disabilities under Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-14, including instruction in regular classes, resource rooms, special classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals and institutions. Extended school year (ESY) services must be provided when the PPT determines the student requires them to avoid substantial regression that would not be recouped within a reasonable time — Connecticut applies the 'regression/recoupment' standard for ESY determination (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-15). ESY eligibility must be considered at each annual PPT meeting. Connecticut has specific personnel certification requirements: special education teachers must hold a Connecticut special education endorsement, and related services personnel must hold applicable Connecticut certification or licensure. Approved private special education programs (APSEPs) are a significant component of Connecticut's service delivery landscape — LEAs may place students in APSEPs when the public school cannot provide FAPE, and APSEPs are subject to CSDE approval and oversight (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(e)). Connecticut also recognizes regional educational service centers (RESCs) as delivery vehicles for specialized special education services.
What Connecticut Requires
The full continuum of placement options must be available, including regular classes, resource rooms, special classes, special schools, home instruction, and hospital/institution settings (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-14).
Extended school year services must be provided when the PPT determines the student requires ESY to avoid substantial regression using the regression/recoupment standard (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-15).
ESY eligibility must be considered at each annual PPT meeting and the determination must be documented in the IEP (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-15).
Approved private special education programs (APSEPs) are authorized placements when the LEA cannot provide FAPE; APSEPs are subject to CSDE approval and oversight (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(e)).
Regional educational service centers (RESCs) may provide specialized services to member districts and their students with disabilities.
Special education teachers must hold a Connecticut special education endorsement; related service providers must hold applicable CT certification or licensure.
Key Timelines
Services must begin on the projected start date documented in the IEP (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11).
ESY eligibility must be determined and documented at each annual PPT meeting (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-15).
Service delivery models must be reviewed at least annually at the PPT meeting (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-12).