IEP Timelines in Connecticut
What are the IEP timelines in Connecticut?
Connecticut has a distinct and important set of special education timelines. The most critical Connecticut-specific timeline is the 45-school-day evaluation deadline measured from referral, exclusive of time to obtain parental consent (RCSA § 10-76d-13) — this is a frequent source of compliance issues. Other key timelines: annual PPT review (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-12); triennial reevaluation (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10); transition services beginning at age 14 (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d, effective July 1, 2021); FAPE through the end of the school year when a student turns age 22 (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(b)(1) as amended by Public Act 23-137); age-of-majority transfer at age 18 (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(a)(4)); state complaint investigation decision within 60 calendar days (34 CFR 300.152); due process resolution session within 15 days of complaint; due process final decision within 45 calendar days after resolution period; appeal of due process decision within 90 days (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76h(c)); parent notification after restraint/seclusion same school day when practicable (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-153b); and MDR within 10 school days of disciplinary change of placement (34 CFR 300.530(e)).
What Connecticut Requires
CRITICAL — CT-specific: evaluation must be completed and PPT convened within 45 school days from referral, exclusive of time to obtain parental consent (RCSA § 10-76d-13).
Transition services must be addressed beginning not later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 14 (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d, effective July 1, 2021).
FAPE is provided through the end of the school year in which the student turns age 22 (PA 23-137); at age 18 educational rights transfer to the student unless a conservator/guardian is appointed (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(b)(1) as amended; § 10-76d(a)(4)).
Due process appeals to Superior Court must be filed within 90 days of the hearing officer's decision (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76h(c)).
Parent notification after restraint or seclusion must occur as soon as possible, same school day when practicable (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-153b).
Key Timelines
45 school days from referral: evaluation must be completed and PPT convened, exclusive of time to obtain parental consent (RCSA § 10-76d-13).
30 days after eligibility determination: initial IEP must be developed (34 CFR 300.323(c)).
Annually: PPT must review and revise IEP (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-12).
3 years: triennial reevaluation (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10).
Age 14: transition services must be addressed in the IEP (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d, effective July 1, 2021).
Age 18: educational rights transfer to student (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(a)(4)).
End of school year when student turns age 22: FAPE eligibility ends (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(b)(1) as amended by PA 23-137).
1 year: state complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged violation (34 CFR 300.153(c)).
60 calendar days: state complaint investigation decision (34 CFR 300.152(a)).
15 days after due process complaint: resolution session must be convened (34 CFR 300.510(a)).
30 days: resolution period after due process complaint filing (34 CFR 300.510).
45 calendar days after resolution period: due process final decision (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76h-10).
90 days: appeal of due process decision to state Superior Court or federal court (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76h(c)).
10 school days: MDR must be held after disciplinary change of placement (34 CFR 300.530(e)).
Same school day / as soon as practicable: parent notification after restraint or seclusion (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-153b).