PPT Requirements

Translation

In an effort to meet federal requirements, this Act stipulates that during each PPT meeting, a parent (or guardian, pupil, or surrogate parent, as applicable) has the right to request a language interpreter, including a registered interpreter for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. The interpreter must be available either in person, by telephone, or through an approved online technology platform, website, or electronic application, provided by the responsible school district based on perceived necessity or upon the parent's request. Additionally, the school district must ensure that the pupil’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), all related documents, and any legally required notices or information are translated into the primary language spoken by the parent/guardian or pupil, if deemed necessary or upon request.

Mediation

Each school district mandated to do so by the CSDE's Mediation Services Coordinator shall ensure that the notice concerning the availability of mediation services is provided to every parent/guardian (including surrogate parents) of children requiring special education. This includes distributing the notice at the start of each school year and verbally presenting it at the conclusion of the initial PPT meeting at the start of each school year.

Transferring Rights

The law mandates that during the initial PPT meeting following a child's attainment of fourteen years of age, and subsequently at least once annually, every accountable school district must furnish the child and their responsible parent/guardian with comprehensive information on decision-making support options. These include alternatives to guardianship and conservatorship, as well as an online resource created by the CSDE. This resource pertains to establishing guardianship, conservatorship, supported decision-making, powers of attorney, advance directives, or other alternatives for decision-making once a student turns 18 and is receiving special education or related services.

Transition Notices

The Act also specifies that at the initial PPT meeting when a child turns fourteen, the PPT must take the following actions for each public transition program and potential adult programs following graduation:

  1. With the parent/guardian's approval, notify the relevant state agency responsible for these programs about the child's potential eligibility.
  2. Provide the parent/guardian with a comprehensive list of these programs, including a clear description in plain language, eligibility criteria, and details about application deadlines and procedures.

Similar information must be provided no later than the PPT meeting held approximately two years before the child's anticipated high school graduation or by the end of the school year in which the child will turn twenty-two, whichever is expected first based on the child's IEP. Additionally, the PPT must:

  1. Invite a representative from each relevant agency to attend the PPT meeting to establish contact with and advise the parent/guardian (or child) on the process for transitioning services when the child exits special education.
  2. Allow and facilitate communication and coordination between each agency and the parent/guardian/child to streamline the service transfer process.
  3. Assist the parent/guardian or child in completing applications for any of these programs.

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