Elementary Student Handbook 2021-22 11.01.21 | Page 55

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES ( continued )
PLANNING AND PLACEMENT TEAM MEETINGS Following an evaluation , a Planning and Placement Team meeting is held to review the testing and to determine the eligibility of the child for special education . Parents are considered essential members of the team and are strongly encouraged to attend all such meetings . No child will receive special education without the parent ’ s signature of consent to the initial placement by the PPT .
Pupil Services will act in an advisory capacity to the parents of any child who is identified as “ at risk ” but will not be 3.0 years old by September 1st in order to make them aware of agencies or programs which may be appropriate to their needs .
Once a student is receiving special education , annual reviews are held to determine continued eligibility and appropriateness of a program . A student may receive special education services until 21 years of age or his / her graduation from high school , whichever comes first . A parent guide to special education is available in each principal ’ s office .
Related services available to Enfield ’ s children include : individual evaluations , speech and language therapy , school counseling services , adaptive physical education , occupational therapy , physical therapy , and special transportation . Every child who is eligible for special education is also eligible for related services as needs are identified by the PPT . Goals and objectives are stated in writing in the Individualized Educational Program ( IEP ) of the student .
SECTION 504 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a broad civil rights law which protects the rights of individuals with handicaps and bars discrimination based on disability . The act protects all school-aged children as handicapped who meet the definition of qualified handicapped person : ( 1 ) has or ( 2 ) has had a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity , or ( 3 ) is regarded as handicapped by others . Federal and State regulations require that reasonable accommodations be implemented in order to provide a free appropriate public education for the handicapped student .
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS Special education services are provided by certified teachers , therapists , or other providers in the least restrictive environment . Appropriate services are determined by the PPT and described in the student ’ s Individualized Educational Program ( IEP ), which is reviewed annually .
A full continuum of programs and services are available to identified students , ages 3-21 . Specific information concerning services is available from your building principal or from Pupil Personnel Services .
Program for Students who are Home-Schooled – Notice of Intent : Instruction of Student at Home must be completed annually by the parent . Forms are available through the Pupil Services office at 860-253- 6518 .
52