Three Things Parent of Kids with Special Needs Need to Know about Distance Learning

This is a difficult time for all of us. Teachers and school administrators are making great efforts to meet the needs of all students, including students with special needs. Now, more than ever, parents and advocates should do their best to work collaboratively with school staff.

The following is guidance for parents, so that they can effectively advocate for their children who have special needs during distance learning.

Parents have the right to request an IEP Meeting during distance learning.
Schools are either sending parents a Distance Learning Plan (DLP) or contacting them to schedule a “quick call” regarding the DLP. For our students, these options may not be enough to inform parents/guardians about specifics regarding distance learning such as delivery of instruction, accommodations, and expectations.  Questions to pose to the IEP Team include:

• How will my child’s IEP goals being addressed?
• How and when will the services on my child’s IEP be implemented?

         - Whole class, small group, and/or 1:1 with teachers and related service providers?
         - How will the reading and math interventions continue during this time?

• Will my child still have access to the general curriculum?
• How will data be taken on my child’s current levels and progress?
• How are each of the supplementary aids and classroom accommodations being implemented and is there a need for anything different?
• Will you be sending home differentiated materials based on my child’s IEP?
• How will AT be provided and is there a need for different or additional AT?
• Is there a need for a behavioral plan or changes in a current plan?
• What regular school-home communication needs to be set up during this time?
  

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