The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services recently released two new Q&As to help schools safely welcome children with disabilities back to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resources are titled:
- Return to School Roadmap: Child Find, Referral, and Eligibility Under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Return to School Roadmap: Provision of Early Intervention Services for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and their Families under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
These IDEA Part C documents complete OSERS Return to School Roadmap Q&A series. The documents build on the August 24 press release and demonstrate the department’s continued commitment to support states to ensure they have the information necessary to carry out these important requirements and to make good use of American Rescue Plan funds to ensure the full implementation of IDEA requirements.
“Access to early intervention services is critical for the development and well-being of young children and their families. This guidance is designed to assist states to identify and serve all eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families so they can reach their full potential,” said OSERS Acting Assistant Secretary Katherine Neas.