COVID-19 Crisis - What you should know about Education during this time.

Currently, the state of PA is under a Stay at Home order through April 30, meaning you are only to leave your home for essential activities or for work to provide life sustaining business and government services. Further, all schools across the state have been closed indefinitely. This includes all brick and mortar, cyber charter schools, intermediate units, childcare and daycare facilities, career and technical schools, parochial schools and in-person college and university programs.  

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has encouraged all Districts to develop a continuity of education plan to provide services during this prolonged closure. Each District has discretion to determine what this will look like, it can include planned instruction or enrichment and review. The guidance from the Federal Department of Education is ever evolving, but currently there are no requirements as to what must be offered to all students.

What does this mean for special education students?

PDE has specifically stated that District’s must be mindful of services offered to students with disabilities and to the fullest extent possible ensure they have access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Every school will provide these services differently, but as of now, all of the provisions under the IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act still apply to ensure your child’s access to services.

What if my District does flexible instruction days or on-line instruction?

Should your District elect to utilize technology to offer educational programming to students, then, in theory, your student is entitled to the educational services provided within their IEP.  However, some of these services may not be available with the current social distancing guidelines. For example, it would be inappropriate, and likely not recommended, to provide a one on one aide in the home during the closure to assist with academic instruction.  However, some services, such as speech therapy, may be accessible via video conference.  All of these decisions would be made on a case by case basis and should be individualized based on the students need. It is likely that District’s will request an IEP or 504 meeting to discuss modifications required to ensure access during this time. Parent’s still have the right to request a meeting during this time, but no in person meetings will be permitted.

Will my child be required to make up the missed days of instruction?

PDE has waived the requirements that each District provide 180 days of instruction in a school year. Many District’s are maintaining their set school schedule as when the school year will end.  All schools are making this determination individually and information should be sent directly to all families.

What if my child was being re-evaluated prior to the school closures?

In the majority of cases, these evaluations will be delayed based on the school closure.  The District will not be held to the typical timeline requirements when school is not in session.  When school resumes, the evaluation will resume. Should the evaluation require direct observations of the student, the timeline will be delayed until school resumes. PDE is encouraging District’s to complete evaluations where a direct observation is not required and parents have provided consent to proceed.

All of this information is constantly being updated and as new information is available to us we will share on our website and Facebook Page. Until then, wash your hands and stay well!