East Hartford Public Schools
Parental Notification of the Laws Relating to the use of Seclusion and Restraint in the Public Schools

Introduction

You have been provided with a copy of the "Procedural Safeguards in Special Education." The Procedural Safeguards document outlines your rights and the rights of your child under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (the IDEA) and the Connecticut statutes and regulations concerning the provision of special education and related services to children with disabilities.

The Board of Education is also required by state statute to inform you about a specific provision of the state statutes and regulations regarding the emergency use of physical restraint and seclusion or the use of seclusion as a behavior intervention in a child's IEP. Every parent must be advised of these rights at the initial Planning and Placement Team meeting (PPT) held for their child even if the emergency use of physical restraint or seclusion or the use of seclusion as a behavior intervention in a child's IEP is not likely to occur with their child.

On and after October 1, 2009, you must be provided with a copy of the state developed "Parental Notification of the Laws relating to Physical Restraint and Seclusion in the Public Schools" at the first PPT meeting following your child's initial referral for special education. If your child was eligible for special education prior to October 1, 2009, you will receive this notice at the first PPT meeting convened after October 1, 2009. In addition, the notice must also be provided to you at the first PPT meeting where the use of seclusion as a behavior intervention is included in your child's IEP.


A copy of the state regulations is available from the State Department of Education.

You may obtain a copy of the school district's written policies and procedures about the use of physical restraint or seclusion from Sharon Bremner, Ed.D. Any questions regarding this document, please feel free to contact Sharon Bremner Ed.D. for further explanations.

You may also contact the State Department of Education for further explanations of this document. Contact the Bureau of Special Education in Hartford at 860.713.6910.

Release date September 15, 2009