CREC: Resources | Division of Student Services

Resources for Families

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, Inc. (CPAC) is a statewide nonprofit organization that offers information and support to families of children with any disability or chronic illness, from birth to age 26.

Offers guidance, tools, and information to help parents understand their rights, engage in the IEP process, and access support for their child’s educational needs.

This guide provides Connecticut families with links to housing, childcare, health, legal, education, and general support services. All links have been verified as active as of May 2025.

By offering parents and students choices among a range of educational programs and settings, the State Board of Education believes our educational system will maximize the opportunity for each student to achieve her/his highest potential.

Early Childhood Resources

The Connecticut Birth to Three System provides early intervention for infants and toddlers under 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Partnering with families, Birth to Three enhances children's development in everyday routines and natural settings. Services include evaluations, individualized family service plans (IFSPs), and links to community resources. Referrals are available online or by calling 1-800-505-7000.

The CREC Head Start and Early Head Start Program serves children from birth to five, based on need and eligibility, per federal Head Start guidelines. The CREC Head Start program supports the growth and development of children in a positive learning environment, using a whole-child approach that offers comprehensive services to families.

There are Head Start programs throughout the state of CT serving more than 5,539 children and families. To learn more about all of CT Head Start, visit ctheadstart.org.

Download Sparkler for free today to track the development of your 0-5-year-old's heart, mind, body, and language with the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, and discover fun ways to learn through play together!

IEP and PPT Planning Resources

This guide from the Connecticut Parents Advocacy Center was created to help parents understand the language used in Special and General Education.

This resource provides a high-level overview of the differences between Connecticut’s current and new IEP documents in preparation for the transition to the new IEP document and the CT-SEDS platform.

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has developed a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) document with input from a representative group of stakeholders. The purpose of this manual is to assist planning and placement teams (PPTs) in creating high quality IEPs for students in Connecticut. The document is supported within the Connecticut Special Education Data System (CT-SEDS).

Provides information and links to various programs, departments, and their contacts in the Bureau of Special Education.

Information for parents, guardians, and other family members regarding Connecticut laws, regulations, and policies that affect special education programs and services.

Transition Resources

A handbook for parents and students regarding self-advocacy, employment, college, training, independent living, and community participation.

DDS partners with individuals and their families to support lifelong planning and collaborates with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities that enable individuals to participate fully as valued community members.

The Department of Aging and Disability Services is designed to both deliver disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizens, as well as provide leadership and advocacy for the rights of CT residents with disabilities.

The Department of Aging and Disability offers various services and programs for high school and college students, including school-to-work transition services and pre-employment services for students and young adults.

(Versión española aquí) A written bill of rights from the Connecticut's Department of Education for distribution to parents at the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting.