District Resources

Every student who receives specialized support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, evaluation process, or homebound/hospitalized instruction is assigned a case manager. The case manager plays a vital role in ensuring that the services and supports outlined for a student are implemented effectively and consistently. Think of the case manager as the central coordinator and go-to contact for families—they help make sure everyone involved in supporting your child is on the same page.

For students with IEPs, the case manager is usually a special education teacher who oversees the development, implementation, and review of the IEP. They schedule Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings, gather input from service providers and teachers, track progress toward goals, and communicate regularly with parents. They also ensure that accommodations and modifications are in place and are being used meaningfully in the classroom.

For students with Section 504 Plans, case managers—often a school counselor or other support staff—coordinate meetings, monitor the implementation of accommodations, and serve as a liaison between teachers, specialists, and families.

During initial evaluations or reevaluations, the case manager helps families understand what to expect, ensures required paperwork and timelines are met, and communicates the results of assessments and team decisions. They help explain technical terms, answer questions, and make sure families are informed at every step.

For students receiving homebound or hospitalized instruction, the case manager coordinates instructional services outside of school, collaborates with medical providers, and plans for a smooth return to school when the time comes. They help tailor the temporary instruction plan to the student’s capacity, ensuring that learning continues in a way that is respectful of the student’s health and readiness.

In all cases, parents can expect the case manager to serve as a supportive partner—someone who advocates for your child’s needs, helps troubleshoot challenges, and fosters communication between home and school. If you ever have a question, concern, or simply need clarity on a process, your case manager is a great place to start.

We’re always busy in Ridgefield Public Schools - partnering with families, building inclusive practices, and sharing valuable information to support every learner. Throughout the year, the Office of Special Services hosts a variety of parent presentations on topics ranging from understanding the IEP process to supporting executive functioning at home. Whether you were unable to attend live or want to revisit a helpful session, you’ll find recordings, slide decks, and resources from recent events below. We invite you to explore and share them - and as always, reach out if you have questions or ideas for future topics!

• Before, During, and After: IEP and 504 Participation Preparation

• 24-25 Sped/PPS Budget Presentation

• RPS BOE Presentation on Transition Programming

• Building a Community of Inclusion Allies

• Inclusion Allies: From Awareness to Action

• Skills for Life Parent Event

• Skills for Life, part 2 Parent Event

• Neurodiversity: A strengths based approach

• AI as an Inclusion Tool

• Supporting Neurodiverse Executive Functions

• BOE Presentation: Overview of Mental Health Services in RPS

• Unified Programming at Ridgefield High School

• CLUE: Children Learning and Understanding Everyone

• ESY Presentation to the BOE

• PreSchool Presentation to the BOE

• Skills, Play, Practice: An Invitation to Social-Emotional Learning

• Sensory Processing: Intro for Parents

• Identifying and Supporting Children on the Autism Spectrum

• PreSchool: Where Inclusion Begins

• Community-based partnerships for Inclusion in Transition

• The New CT IEP (2022)

The Special Services VPs work collaboratively with the Special Services committee and PTA Council to advocate for the special needs community and RPS as a whole with the goals of meeting student needs and fostering an inclusive community for all RPS students.

 Click here for their website, or inquire with your child's principal to find out who your local, school building representative is.