Special Services
Remote Learning
Special Services Learning Center
Supporting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities during extended times away from school and changing routines due to health outbreaks can be challenging. There are a number of strategies to use at home to help children settle into time away from school and into new routines, and to reduce worry and anxiety.
These are challenging times and we want to support our students and their families to the best of our abilities. Feel free to explore the resources listed below, many of which are free the remainder of the year, for a specific area of interest for your child(ren). Interested in additional resources or guidance on supporting your child(ren) through online learning and resources? Complete this FORM (double click on the word FORM) and someone from our OAISD Special Education Consultant Team will contact you.
April 12, 2020
Dear Parents,
I’d like to sincerely thank you for the patience and support you have granted our department as we have worked diligently to support our students in new ways. As I’m sure many of you can relate, we have also attempted to create new routines and a new ‘normal’ in our own homes and lives. As a teacher recently shared, our new “co-workers” sometimes have their own needs and wants at inconvenient times! Pictured below is one of my own “coworkers” sitting next to me as I write this letter.
As I shared in a previous communication, our first and primary focus as a Special Education Department has been to support students emotionally as well as support their access to instruction during this initial phase of remote learning. This will continue to be a priority as we move into our planning and execution of the next phase of virtual learning. In the upcoming weeks, we will begin to address each child’s goals within their Individualized Education Plan, which we anticipate will look different for every child depending on the age/grade of the child, developmental level and family preferences during this time.
In accordance with Governor Whitemore’s most recent executive order specific to K-12 education, and in consideration of Ottawa Area Intermediate School District’s subsequent guidance, we will begin developing Remote Learning Plans for those children who have specifications and programs/services within their Individualized Education Plans (IEP) that cannot be fully addressed during this time. These Remote Learning Plans will require parent input and coordination between home and school. Options for each team to consider may include: virtual therapies, live or pre-recorded lessons, and/or delivery of paper-pencil materials.
In order to prepare for this next step, we would greatly appreciate your support in completing this initial form. The answers provided by families will only be shared with relevant educational personnel and will be used to develop draft plans. You will then receive communication from either a special education staff member or an administrator to complete the Remote Learning Plan. I also understand that some of you have shared with us that you do not wish to participate in remote learning at this time due to the demands and unique circumstances presented. We respect and understand your decision. If this is the case for you and your family, we kindly ask that you either respond to this email or complete the first section of this form for our records. As always, I sincerely wish you and your family health and wellness. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.
My best,
Mandy Thomas, Ed.S.
Director of Special Services
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