The purpose of the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting, also referred to as an IEP meeting, is to determine eligibility (initial or continued) for special education services, initiate and discuss recent evaluations, and review or revise the child’s program and services. At this meeting, parents and staff will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the child and determine appropriate placement.

Parents must receive written notice of a PPT meeting at least five school days prior to the meeting. Notice of Planning and Placement Team Meeting. A PPT meeting must include a representative of the local education agency (LEA)(i.e., district administrator or designee), a special education teacher, one of the child’s general education teachers and a member of

the support services staff (such as speech therapist, guidance counselor, psychologist, social worker or nurse). Other individuals who are knowledgeable about the child may also be invited. Parents are equal partners in the PPT decision making process.

Every attempt will be made to schedule the PPT meeting at a convenient time for the parents and school personnel. However, the PPT meeting may take place without the parents attending, as long as the district documents multiple attempts to contact the parents. Documentation of Attempts to Seek Parent/Guardian Participation. A child 16 years of age or older should be included whenever possible or appropriate, especially during transition planning. See Transition Planning section on pages 19-20.

The parents may, at their own expense, bring persons of their choosing to the PPT meeting for additional support, including private specialists, advocates, consultants,

family members or friends. If parents want the school to pay for a consultant or specialist, a confirmatory discussion must be held in advance. An interpreter proficient in the parent’s native language will be supplied, if needed.

At the start of the meeting, all participants should be introduced and the purpose of the meeting, as stated on the written notice, should be clarified. The district must give the parents a copy of the Procedural Safeguards in Special Education document once a year, as well as the Parental Notification of the Laws Relating to Seclusion and Restraint in the Public Schools document. See page 10. Parents should also be given a copy of the CT State Department’s brochure Helpful CT Resources for Families. It is critical that parents familiarize themselves with the information in these documents.