Special Education
Child Find - In accordance with federal regulations, state and local board of education policy, our districts assume the responsibility for the location, identification and referral of all children requiring special education and/or related services from birth through age 21.
The child identification process is coordinated by the department of pupil services and the Shared Services Integrated Preschool Program (SSIPP). We utilize a variety of community resources and conduct many systematic activities in its efforts to identify children requiring special services. For children birth to 4 years of age, please contact Chuck Fray at 860-379-8583. Children of Kindergarten age through age 21 should be referred to the school they would normally attend.
Lease Restrictive Environment - Shared Services is committed to educating students with disabilities in the Least
Restrictive Environment (LRE). This means, to the maximum extent appropriate, students with disabilities are educated with students who are not disabled and in their home schools, whenever possible. It also means that special classes, separate schooling or other removal of students with disabilities occurs only when the nature and severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplemental aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.
Shared Services is also committed to the concept of inclusion. While we believe that students with disabilities should be educated in regular education classrooms in inclusive neighborhood schools and community settings, we also believe that a continuum of placement options must be available to meet the unique and individual needs of students.
Additional Special Education Resources:
Connecticut State Department of Education website
Parents Guide to Special Education
CT Special Education Procedural Safeguards
Restraint and Seclusion Guidelines
Independent Evaluation Guidelines
