Relating the CDC's Guidelines to Students with Special Needs

As previously discussed on this blog, parents of special needs students have different considerations when choosing between remote learning and blended learning options.

In the wake of recent discussions on reopening schools, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) have released toolkits aimed at helping parents weigh their back-to-school options: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/decision-tool.html. The CDC advises parents to consider their child’s emotional well-being as related to social isolation and access to critical services such as school meals and mental or behavioral health supports.

Underlying Conditions: According to the CDC, children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19. Children with medical complexities may also be at increased risk. Furthermore, parents should consider other household members who are at increased risk.

Rate of Community Spread: On July 13th, New York State’s Governor Cuomo announced guidance recommending school reopening if the regional daily infection rate remains below 5% on a 14-day average. Under the State’s guidance, schools would close again if the infection rate rises above 9% using a seven-day average. On Friday, New York City’s Mayor de Blasio proposed a maximum threshold of 3% for citywide positive tests over a rolling seven-day period in order for the City’s public schools to reopen.

The CDC devotes an entire section of its toolkit to evaluating the feasibility of at-home learning: 1) Are you able to telework (successfully) while your child is home with you? 2) Can you or someone else supervise your child in remote learning? 3) Do you have space in your home and a device for remote learning? 4) Does the teacher provide live instruction that allows for real-time interaction between your child and the teacher? 5) Are your child’s learning needs and learning style compatible with digital modes of learning?

I encourage parents to pay extra attention to the portion of the toolkit relating to school-based IEP services, found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/decision-tool.html . Special education advocacy or legal representation can help families identify the appropriate level of support for their special needs child. For more information regarding your child’s special education needs during the pandemic, book a virtual consultation on my website, https://www.MSRLegal.ORG/Book-Your-Consultation . This summer, follow @MSRLegalConsulting on Instagram where I will continue posting about the evolving landscape of special education in the wake of Covid-19.

Enjoy the week ahead,

Oroma

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