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New to Special Services? This page explains common terms, processes, and where families can begin 

Understanding Special Services

Special Services can include a range of supports designed to help eligible students access learning and make progress in school. Families may encounter different terms, teams, plans, and processes depending on a student’s needs.
Helpful for: Families who are new to Special Services or are trying to understand how the process works.

IEP vs. 504

IEPs and 504 Plans both support students with disabilities, but they serve different purposes and are governed by different laws. Understanding the basic differences can help families know which questions to ask and what type of support may apply.
Helpful for: Families trying to understand the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan.

Common Terms & Acronyms

Special education can involve unfamiliar terminology such as PPT, IEP, LRE, FAPE, accommodations, modifications, and related services. Learning common terms can make meetings and written documents easier to understand.
Helpful for: Families who want a quick reference for commonly used Special Services language.

Learn more about IEPs & 504 Plans →

Evaluations & Reevaluations

Evaluations help school teams better understand a student’s strengths and needs and can be part of determining eligibility for services. Reevaluations help review needs and supports over time.
Helpful for: Families who are beginning an evaluation process or want to better understand testing and eligibility.

Preparing for a Meeting

Before a PPT, IEP, or 504 meeting, families may find it useful to review current documents, write down questions, and identify the topics they most want to discuss.
Helpful for: Parents preparing for an upcoming meeting with their child’s educational team.

Who Do I Contact?

Questions About Your Child’s Services
For questions about an individual student, families should begin with their child’s school or educational team. Depending on the question, this may include a classroom teacher, case manager, school counselor, building administrator, or Special Services staff member.

PTA Special Services Representative
Each school PTA has a Special Services representative who serves as a connection between families, the local PTA, and the PTA Council Special Services Committee. Representatives can help families locate resources, share information about upcoming opportunities, and bring general questions or areas of interest to the committee.

Find Your School’s Special Services Representative →

PTA Special Services representatives are parent volunteers and do not provide individualized educational, legal, or medical advice. Questions regarding a student’s specific services, IEP, 504 Plan, placement, or educational program should be directed to the student’s school or educational team.

Helpful Resources

Ridgefield Public Schools 
Official district information, contacts, procedures, and Special Services resources.

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)
Parent-friendly information, training, and support related to special education, IEPs, 504 Plans, evaluations, meetings, and parent rights.

Connecticut State Department of Education – Special Education
Official state guidance, resources for families, procedural information, and special education materials.

These resources are intended to help families understand common terms and processes. For questions about an individual student, families should contact their child’s school or educational team.