Under both Connecticut and New York law, the group responsible for developing your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is essential in identifying their special educational needs and the accompanying services. In New York as well as under federal law (IDEA), this group is called the Individualized Education Program Team ('IEP Team'), while in Connecticut, it is known as the Planning and Placement Team (PPT). Regardless of your location, whether Connecticut or New York, your child’s PPT/IEP Team will be involved in almost every decision or request related to your child’s education, including evaluations, eligibility, and service determinations.
Role of Parents in the PPT Team
As a parent, you play an important role on the PPT/IEP Team. You are encouraged to participate whenever possible, as you can offer unique insights into your child’s educational needs. Under the IDEA, the PPT/IEP Team is required to include the following members:
- The parents of a child with a disability;
- At least one regular education teacher if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment;
- At least one special education teacher, or if appropriate, a special education provider for the child;
- A representative of the local educational agency who:
- Is qualified to provide or supervise specially designed instruction;
- Is knowledgeable about the general education curriculum;
- Understands the available resources within the local educational agency;
- An individual who can interpret the implications of evaluation results, which may be any member described above;
- Other individuals, at the discretion of the parents or agency, who have knowledge or understanding of the child, including related services personnel as appropriate;
- Whenever suitable, the child with a disability.
Attendance and Participation
Members of the PPT/IEP Team may not be required to attend a meeting if the parent and the local educational agency (LEA) agree that their attendance is unnecessary due to non-discussion of their area of expertise. A team member can also be excused from attending when their specific area will be a topic of discussion if both parties consent, provided the member submits relevant input before the meeting.
Parental Rights and Support
Parents have the right to comprehend all proceedings during the PPT/IEP Team meeting. If necessary, schools must arrange a language or sign language interpreter. Additional parental rights include the option for a telephone conference if unable to attend in person, meeting recordings provided all participants are informed, and the ability to invite advisors, including legal counsel, at personal expense.
Conducting Meetings
A PPT/IEP Team meeting can occur without parental attendance if the LEA cannot persuade the parents to attend. The school district must keep thorough records of all attempts to set a mutually agreed upon meeting time and place, including phone call attempts, correspondence copies, and details of home or employment visits and their outcomes.
The school district is required to coordinate with parents to schedule PPT/IEP Team meetings at a convenient time and location. Both Connecticut and New York laws mandate notifying parents at least five school days in advance to facilitate attendance. This notice should detail the meeting's purpose, time, location, and attendees. Additionally, the school must inform parents about their right to bring along knowledgeable individuals about the child and if appropriate, invite children 16 or younger to attend when relevant to their postsecondary goals.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding your child's special education Planning and Placement Team, or wish to consult an attorney regarding a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or Jmaya@mayalaw.com to arrange a free initial consultation.
