The Planning and Placement Team (PPT)

What Is a Planning and Placement Team (PPT)?

The Planning and Placement Team (PPT) plays a central role in your child’s journey through special education services. At Westport Public Schools, the PPT is a group of professionals—and you, the parent—who work together to:

• Review special education referrals,

• Evaluate your child’s needs,

• Determine eligibility for services, and

• Develop, review, or revise your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Every student who receives special education services will have an IEP created and overseen by a dedicated PPT.

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Who Is on the PPT?

By law, each PPT includes the following members:

• Parents or guardians of the student,

• At least one of the student’s general education teachers (if applicable),

• At least one special education teacher or provider,

• A district representative with expertise in special education and knowledge of curriculum and resources,

• A person who can interpret your child’s evaluation results,

• Others (at the discretion of you or the district) who know your child well—this could include therapists, counselors, or other specialists,

• When appropriate, your child may also participate,

• Any assigned paraeducators who support your child in the classroom.

Depending on your child’s school setting, other professionals such as representatives from magnet schools, charter schools, or out-of-district placements may also join.

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Additional Participants Based on the Situation

• Birth to Three Transition: If your child received early intervention services, a representative from the Birth to Three program may join the initial PPT meeting to assist in the transition to preschool special education.

• Planning for Life After High School: As your child enters high school, PPT meetings will include discussion about postsecondary goals and may include representatives from outside agencies that support transition services.

• Surrogate Parents: If a parent is unavailable—for example, in cases of foster care or homelessness—the state may assign a surrogate parent to advocate for the child’s educational needs.

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Attendance and Participation

The district aims for all PPT members to be present and fully engaged—either in person or virtually. If someone cannot attend, they may be excused only with written consent from the parent and the district, and in some cases, they must provide input ahead of time.

Parents are essential members of the team and are encouraged to participate in every PPT meeting. If attending in person isn’t possible, we’ll gladly arrange for your participation via phone or video conference.

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How You’ll Be Notified

You’ll receive a written notice at least five days before a PPT meeting, unless you agree to a shorter timeline. This notice will include:

• The purpose, date, time, and location of the meeting,

• A list of the people expected to attend, and

• A reminder of your rights and role as a member of the PPT.

If changes need to be made—such as inviting a new person to the meeting—you’ll receive a revised notice, and we’ll ask for your permission to proceed.

We’re also committed to making sure you fully understand the PPT meeting. If English is not your first language or you are deaf or hard of hearing, we will provide interpretation services.

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Your Role as a Parent

You can bring anyone you feel would be helpful—such as a family member, advocate, or outside provider—to a PPT meeting. You don’t need prior approval from the district to do this.

We view families as our partners in education and are here to support you every step of the way