Return to School Roadmap: Child Find, Referral, and Eligibility
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) received requests from a diverse group of stakeholders to clarify expectations and requirements for implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and more schools returning to in-person services. Important topics addressed in this resource include: meeting timelines, ensuring implementation of initial evaluation and reevaluation procedures, determining eligibility for early intervention, special education and related services, and providing the full array of early intervention services and special education services that children with disabilities need in order to receive a free and appropriate public education.
Return to School Roadmap: Provision of Early Intervention Services
The U.S. Department of Education’s OSERS has received questions related to the provision of early intervention services and the implications of delayed evaluations and early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families served under IDEA Part C. This guidance document focuses on program reopening efforts and in-person service delivery to support the full implementation of IDEA requirements.
The Center for Learner Equity webpage includes resources for supporting students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are regularly updated and include webinars, FAQ documents, and instructional tools. These resources include Principles of Equitable Schools in the Context of COVID-19 and ensuring the right to free and appropriate public education for students with disabilities during COVID-19.