What is CSPD?

Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Connecticut's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) serves to improve the quality of educational services and programs for children with special needs, and their families, through the ongoing preparation and professional development of educators and services providers. The goal of the CSPD is to ensure an adequate supply of highly qualified personnel to work with infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.

How is Connecticut's CSPD Coordinated?

In an effort to coordinate a statewide effort, the Connecticut State Department of Education has assigned responsibility for the coordination, development, and ongoing evaluation/update of Connecticut's CSPD (for Part B, ages 3 through 21) to the Special Education Resource Center (SERC). The Director of SERC serves as the CSPD Coordinator for Part B. The Birth to Three System is responsible for the coordination, development, and ongoing evaluation of Connecticut's CSPD Part C and has identified a Part C CSPD Coordinator.

Who is Involved?

In order to ensure broad-based participation in the development, review, and periodic update of Connecticut CSPD, the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Connecticut Birth to Three System have established the Connecticut Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) Council. The CT CSPD Council includes representatives from a variety of constituencies and interests (e.g. general and special education, early intervention, institutions of higher education, families, state agencies, professional organizations, related services) and addresses personnel development issues impacting infants, toddlers, children, and youth, Birth to 21, and their families.

What is the Role of the CSPD Council?

The CT CSPD Council provides a forum for communication among the constituencies mentioned above and others on current personnel development needs, practices, and policies. Membership on the Council requires participation at quarterly Council meetings and workgroup meetings. In addition, Council members are expected to share pertinent Council information with their constituencies. Priority workgroups are formed as needed to examine issues of current interest and need. CT CSPD Council members volunteer and join with other related stakeholders. The work of these groups may result in new products, training initiatives, and/or recommendations to the state agencies regarding technical assistance or policy issues in personnel development.