Parenting during the coronavirus pandemic

The situation is changing rapidly, but as of March 30, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is encouraging all school districts to provide remote learning opportunities for students. This can include the use of technology, such as video conferencing and online learning platforms, and offline instruction, such as worksheets, hands-on projects, and exploring outside.

The DESE suggests that remote learning activities should engage students in meaningful and productive learning for about half of a regular school day. Learning should focus on reinforcing and applying skills already taught. If new material is introduced, schools must make sure that all students have reasonably equal access to the same instruction. The DESE recognizes that the needs of each child and family are different, and that remote learning experiences will vary from household to household.

On March 21, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) made clear that schools must continue to provide free and appropriate public education to students with disabilities. However, the DOE recognizes the unusual circumstances created by COVID-19 and notes that these services may be provided differently than when school was in session. Schools are being asked to be creative in providing as many services as possible from students’ IEPs or 504 Plans remotely. They must provide equal access to any opportunities offered to students in regular education.

Read more about COVID-19 and IEPs

It may not be possible to provide some services safely during this time, including home visits and hands-on services such as occupational therapy (OT) or physical therapy (PT). Schools are being asked to try to find ways to deliver as many services as possible. Call your school team to ask how they are providing services.

Yes. Schools need to find a way to hold IEP meetings over the phone or computer. Schools must make sure that all team members (including parents) have access to the appropriate technology. They must also make interpreters available if needed. If you have an IEP or 504 meeting scheduled, you should call your team leader and discuss how it will be held. You also have the right to call a new IEP meeting.

Yes. Until a new meeting is held, and a new document is written and signed by you, your old IEP/504 Plan is in effect.

Some districts are providing loaner devices to families so that they can access online learning. You should reach out to your district to ask if this is possible. If borrowing a device is not an option, you can reach out to your child’s teacher to request printed materials or suggestions for educational activities that can be done without a device.

If your child receives special education and requires technology in their IEP such as speech-to-text software, their school is responsible to provide accessible services. This may mean providing a device. Or it may include alternative solutions that allow your child to demonstrate their work, like providing responses over the phone. Please contact your school and ask how they will accommodate your child’s needs.

After this health crisis is over, school teams will individually evaluate the case of each child on an IEP or 504 Plan and will update documents to provide additional services as needed. Remember that regular schooling has been interrupted for kids all over the state. Schools will be planning instruction this year and next with an understanding of that.

If you are having trouble accessing your child’s Special Education services, you can reach out to Massachusetts Advocates for Child (MAC), through their Education Helpline:

English: 617-357-8431 EXT. 3224
Español: 617-357-8431 EXT. 3237

Federation for Children with Special Needs
support, information, training, and workshops related to special education to families of children with special needs

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