The Special Education Resource Program provides a continuum of special education and related services. If a student requires special education services, school personnel and parents will be involved through the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) in decisions about what services, instruction, modifications and equipment are to be provided as well as where these services may take place. The New Haven Public Schools will ensure that placement is made in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means that a student who receives special education services must be placed, to the greatest extent possible, in an educational setting with students his or her own age in general education classes. Special education and general education are partners in this process.

The goal of special education is to provide students with support to ensure educational development and for students to be able to function socially, emotionally, and intellectually in order to become responsible and independent members of their school and community.