6171.2(a)

Special Education
Preschool Special Education

The Hamden Board of Education (Board) recognizes the value of special education and its responsibility in ensuring that all resident preschool children with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in special programs and services from which they may benefit. The Board shall maintain an early intervention program for preschool-aged children identified through the "Birth to Age Three" screening process under regulations imposed by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) which identifies children with special education needs or developmental delays.

The District's program shall be based upon the "reverse mainstreaming model" which maintains a significant number of non-disabled (regular education) students who serve as role models for the students with identified special needs. The Director of Special Education or his/her designee is responsible to coordinate and evaluate the program annually to make recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to establish administrative practices and procedures to carry out this responsibility. Such administrative practices and procedures shall include:

1. Locating and identifying all preschool children, between the ages of three and five, with disabilities pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). The register of children eligible to receive preschool special education services is to be maintained and revised annually by the Director of Special Education;
2. Ensuring that the parents of preschool age children with disabilities have received and understand the request for consent for evaluation of their child;
3. Developing an individualized education program (IEP) for each preschool age child with a disability requiring services;
4. Appointing and training appropriately qualified personnel;
5. Providing transportation to students enrolled in the program according to their IEP's;
6. Maintaining lists as required by the State Department of Education pertaining to the number of children with disabilities who are being served, as well as those identified disabled students not served;
7. Reporting as required to the State Department of Education; and
8. Ensuring the smooth transition from infant to preschool programs.

6171.2(b)

Special Education
Preschool Special Education ( continued)

The Planning and Placement Team's responsibilities will include the evaluation and recommendation for placement in appropriate approved programs and the provision of appropriate special education programs and services for each preschool child with a
disability. Children recommended for an educational program may enter at various points throughout the school year.

It is ultimately the responsibility of the Board to provide the appropriate approved preschool program and services for the district children. Should the PPT's determination and recommendations differ from parent or guardian preference, the individualized
education program may be appealed by a parent or guardian through the procedures outlined in IDEA.

The Board directs the Superintendent or his/her designee to ensure that the district considers that adequate and appropriate space and personnel are made available for such programs and services.

Tuition
Non-disabled (general education) students enrolled in a "reverse mainstreaming" preschool program may be required to pay tuition for the program. Identified students or students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will not be charged for tuition. If
applicable, the Board will annually establish the tuition rate for the following school year. The Board, through the Superintendent or his/her designee, will establish a monthly payment plan if applicable. If tuition is required by the Board, failure to make such
tuition payment may result in discontinuation of enrollment in the program.

Legal References: Connecticut General Statutes

10-76a Definitions
10-76b State supervision of special education programs and services
10-76c Receipt and use of money and personal property
10-76d Duties and powers of Boards of Education to provide special education programs and services (as amended by PA 97-114)
10-76e School construction grant for cooperative regional special education facilities
10-76f Definition of terms used in formula for state aide for
special education
10-769 State aid for special education
10-76h Special education hearing and review procedure. Mediation of disputes
10-76i Advisory council for special education
10-76j Five-year plan for special education
10-76k Development of experimental educational programs
State Board of Education regulations
10-76m Auditing claims for special education assistance
10-76a-1 et seq. Definitions
10-76b-1 through 10-76b-4 Supervision and administration
10-76d-1 through 10-76d-19 Conditions of instruction
10-76h-1 through 10-76h-2 Due process
10-761-1 Program evaluation
10-145a-24 through 10-145a-31 Special education (re teacher certification)
34 C.F.R. 3000 Assistance to States for Education for Handicapped Children
American with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §1400 et seg. as amended by P.L. 105-17
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, 29 U.S.C. §794