Students with Special Needs

Students With Special Needs

We understand that for our students and families of our students with special needs, the possible inconsistencies in the coming year may result in questions or concerns about the services provided through the IEP. Federal disability law allows for flexibility in determining how to meet the individualized needs of students receiving special education services. In the event that a student would be better served in a manner other than designated in a student's plan, a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting will be called to discuss an appropriate accommodation to the written plan.

Information specific to students with IEP's when the District is operating under Plan A or Plan B

• CLASSROOM AND OFFICES SETUP

  • Classrooms and offices have been arranged to allow for each faculty member who works one on one with students to have a space that will allow for appropriate social distancing as well as air circulation.

• REQUIRED ASSESSMENTS

  • 1:1 assessments will be conducted as scheduled upon the reopening of school in accordance with the established reopening guidelines.

• FACULTY AND STAFF PPE

  • PPE supplies/ clothing coverings will be provided for staff who work closely with students with special needs requiring close proximity for medical assistance, toileting, ambulation, specialized service, etc.

• TRANSPORTATION

  • Special transportation accommodations outlined in student’s IEP will be provided in accordance with transportation guidelines for Low and Moderate Transmission Risks.

• ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING DECISIONS

  • Individualized and alternative programming decisions for students with disabilities unable to access the district’s adopted reopening plan as designed, will be determined based upon student need, present levels of functioning, developmental levels, and student/parent input through the PPT process.

• EXCEPTIONS TO THE MASK-WEARING POLICY

  • Exceptions to the mandatory mask policy for students with disabilities will be reviewed on an individual basis through the PPT process.

  • Additional precautions/strategies/safeguards will be identified to mitigate the situation. (i.e.: increasing social distancing, providing additional PPE such as masks/gloves/clothing covering for 1:1 staff, etc.). Decisions regarding exemption of the mask mandate will be determined on an individual’s needs and not be made based on a student’s disability category.

• MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS

  • In the case of a student being unable to return to school because the child is medically fragile, a PPT will be conducted to address the change of placement and develop an appropriate educational program to implement through homebound instruction.

  • Students with disabilities who are unable to attend school due to a documented medical exemption will receive instruction through distance learning opportunities with special education staff, related service providers, support staff, paraprofessionals and their regularly scheduled classroom teachers to ensure continued educational opportunities are provided to the greatest extent possible, consistent with state and federal guidance.

• STUDENTS WITH IEP's WITHOUT MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS

  • Students with IEP’s without a medical exemption will have the best learning experiences and access to all of the services noted in their IEP’s by attending school in-person in accordance with least restrictive environment regulations.

  • If a parent does not send their child to school during a time when the school is opened for reasons other than a documented medical exemption, the school will develop a written plan to deliver distance learning outside of a PPT that outlines the services that will be provided and how (i.e.: streaming, on-line platform, software program). This plan will not alter the IEP document in any way.

Information specific to students with IEP's when the District is operating under Plan C

• DISTANCE LEARNING

  • If in-school classes are canceled, students with disabilities will receive instruction/services through distance learning with special education staff, related service providers, support staff, paraprofessionals and their regularly scheduled classroom teachers to ensure continued educational opportunities are provided to the greatest extent possible, consistent with state and federal guidance.

  • Special education teachers and related service staff will establish distance learning schedules for all IEP students prior to September 20th in preparation for full return to distance learning, if needed.

  • Special education case managers will reach out to parents to communicate distance learning schedules.