Student Services

Hazel Park Schools Special Education Information for Parents and Families

As we embark on a new school year, one that we know will present some challenges for our learners with unique abilities, we wish to provide parents with some helpful information on questions we have received and guidance we are monitoring as it is received. Please feel free to contact our special education administrators should you have any questions regarding your child’s learning or special education circumstances.

Return to Learn Parent Letter for Student Services

*For questions related to our Early On Programs, please contact Early On Coordinator, Jennifer Darawi at 248-658-5512.

What is the guidance for students with IEPs?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many uncertainties and challenges. For our parents and families of students with disabilities, these challenges may be even more difficult to navigate to resolve. We have received an abundance of guidance that is on-going; guidelines, legislation and public health information mandating several components that necessitate flexibility in our plans. We are continually evaluating and revising plans as needed to ensure that we are able to best meet each student's needs while we prioritize the health and safety of our school community.

As a special education department, we remain mindful of the unique needs of one of our most vulnerable student groups and their families as we start this school year with all of its uncertainties. We will remain focused on educating our students in the most equitable and safest way possible.

As the beginning of the school year draws near, many amazing Hazel Park special educators have returned to work early to begin their planning. They have begun to develop schedules for students who will participate in voluntary face-to-face small community learning groups (PODS). Some parent contacts necessary to determine the educational plan for each student, based on student individual needs, have already been made and will continue through the first couple of weeks of school. When adjustments or revisions to your child's plan are needed, special education providers will work with you to complete an IEP Amendment or Contingency Learning Plan, depending on the situation with the specific IEP. Parents will receive thorough explanations on both the amendment and/or Contingency Learning Plan as it pertains to the IEP. Please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or the special education supervisor (Scott Armstrong - junior high and high school; Lindsay Smith - elementary buildings) if you have questions or concerns in the meantime.

What are Contingency Learning Plans?

Contingency Learning Plans (CLPs) will be developed and written, when necessary, to reflect any adjustments or changes needed to a student's IEP in the context of the district's learning platform at the beginning of the year and as we move forward. For example, the CLP would describe the programs and services that would be provided if our region/ state moved back to Phase 3 (if we are in a different phase starting the school year). Contingency Learning Plans are developed by the IEP team, with careful consideration into parent input and participation.

How will Hazel Park’s Special Education Department determine the need for in-person special education instructional time or services?

The need for in-person instruction or special education services is determined by the IEP team, which includes parents/ guardians. IEP teams will consider several factors, including, but not limited to: nature and severity of the disability; developmental level of the child; the child's learning style and type and level of support needed; the student's progress on IEP goals prior to the closure; the student's engagement and level of participation in remote learning in the spring with any identified barriers; progress monitoring data from the spring; and whether any additional supports and strategies can be implemented to increase learning in a virtual or alternate learning format.

Will the same in-person time be available for all students with an IEP?

The foundation of special education and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the individualization of supports and services, based on each child's unique needs and their circumstances. Equity means that each student is provided with what he/she needs; some students may need additional and/or different types of services and supports. We do not provide or encourage a one-size-fits-all option for students as this would be a violation of special education legislation.

Does my child have to participate in recommended face-to-face learning when their special education providers suggest it, if they, or a member of the family is at risk medically?

Please contact your child’s special education teacher or special education administrator to share and discuss any medical concerns your child may have. Parents were provided with an opportunity to enroll their child in our Viking Virtual 100% online learning platform to potentially assist with these circumstances. Our department is committed to working collaboratively with you to identify a plan to meet your child's needs in a way that is safe for all.

Will paraprofessionals (aides) continue to be used remotely for students who need this individual support?

Hazel Park remains committed to fully supporting the needs of our students with unique abilities. We are working to ensure our paraprofessionals all have assignments as we begin the new school year. For students who have a one-to-one paraprofessional specifically written into their IEP, they will continue to receive this support both in a remote learning and face-to-face instructional platform.

Does my child have to wear a mask if they are participating in face-to-face learning?

Our goal is the safety for all of our students and staff members. When we return to face-to-face learning, masks will be required K-12. For students with IEP’s, this will not be a requirement as some disability areas and student needs/challenges are such that they cannot doan a mask. Furthermore, guidance from the CDC and our Governor has been that we cannot require students with IEP’s to wear a mask. If you have a concern with your child wearing a mask, please talk to your child's special education teacher or the building principal if you have questions or need more information.

Are staff required to wear PPE during face-to-face instruction?

We recognize that some students with a disability may not be able to wear a mask and/or maintain social distancing at all times. Also, some of our staff support students in ways that require close contact, for example, physical prompting, medical procedures and/or assistance with toileting and other self-care needs. As a result, our PPE protocol and requirements for our special educators are firmly in place. All special education staff will be required to wear a face covering during Phase 4 & 5. Some of our staff come into close contact with students and will wear an N-95 type mask and face shield, as well as gloves, and a gown. Classrooms are outfitted with a plexiglass divider at tables to ensure safety for students and staff during face-to-face interactions.

Will my child continue to receive their modifications and accommodations during remote learning?

All staff will continue to follow and implement all IEP and 504 plans with accommodations and modifications contained therein, whether we are remote or in-person. All plans will be reviewed with parents to determine if any adjustments need to be made; if so, a Contingency Learning Plan will be developed by the IEP team.