Act 55 of 2022 – Student Enrollment Guidance

Act 55 allows certain students to stay enrolled beyond the age of 21.

On July 8, Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 55 of 2022 (Act 55) into law.

Act 55 permits a student with a disability who was enrolled during the 2021-22 school year and turned age 21 during the 2021-22 school year, or between the end of the 2021-22 and the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, to attend a school entity during the 2022-23 school year and receive services as outlined on their most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) with all the protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

As required by Act 55, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) developed and posted online a standard form for parents/guardians and students to notify school entities of their plan for the student to attend the school entity for the 2022-23 school year. Hampton Township is using the linked Act 55 Student Enrollment Notification Form as the means for parents to authorize intent to return for students who qualify under Act 55 guidelines.  Any questions regarding Act 55 or student eligibility should be directed to Dr. Sharon Smith, Director of Special Education by calling 412-492-6306 or via email at Sharon.smith@ht-sd.org .  

Parents/guardians and students who wish to take advantage of Act 55 must complete, sign, and submit the Act 55 of 2022 Student Enrollment Notification Form to the student’s school entity on or before August 1, 2022.

For a student with a disability who turned 21 during the time periods listed above, both the parent/guardian and the student must complete the form. Forms are to be submitted to Dr. Smith, Director of Special Education (Sharon.smith@ht-sd.org) on or before the August 1 deadline.