special education

Special Education Distance Learning During COVID 19

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

Confused about whether your child should be receiving special education services if their school is closed because of COVID-19? You are not alone.

Soon after the COVID-19 crisis caused schools across a number of states to shut down, the United States Department of Education posted a Q&A on its website regarding states’ responsibilities to provide special education services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act while their public schools were closed.

The USDOE’s Q&A caused an uproar because it suggested that public schools were prohibited from offering educational programs to special education students via distance learning. The Q&A also suggested that the right to a legally required free and appropriate public education was contingent upon whether general education students were receiving instruction, too.

Based on the USDOEs Q&A, some school districts decided to halt instruction entirely, under the assumption that they need not provide special education students with a free and appropriate public education during the closures.

As a result of both the backlash and mounting confusion, the USDOE has attempted to clarify its position through a “supplemental fact sheet” it posted on its website.

The USDOE stated that school districts should not close or deny distance learning opportunities, particularly because they can be used to provide services to special education students. The USDOE made clear that school districts can effectively provide many special education services via modifications, such as through video and telephonic conferences.

However, the USDOE also noted that the nature of some related services render them challenging, and perhaps unsafe, to administer from afar, such as occupational therapy. Needless to say, many special education students who receive physical therapy services (and other services considered unsuitable for refashioning) will be negatively affected during the school closures.

Closer to home for our law firm and most of our clients, the New Jersey State Legislature has passed Assembly Bill 3813, which currently awaits New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s signature.

The bill requires state school districts to give special education students the same access to remote instruction as general education students have (to the extent that access is “appropriate and practical,” which is something advocates contend the IDEA already requires). The bill also expressly authorizes school districts to provide speech language and counseling services through an alternative format.

And just today, April 1, 2020, the state of New Jersey issued rules applicable in a public health emergency (pursuant to the authority granted to agency heads by Executive Order 107, the State of Emergency signed by Governor Murphy), relaxing the general rules regarding the delivery of related services, and permitting them to be provided remotely.  This is a good step toward getting children with disabilities back on track.

Despite the USDOE’s attempts to calm fears and refine its position, we remain in uncharted waters. Because the navigation is sure to be choppy during these uncertain times, you may be confused as to what special education services your children should be receiving, and what legal options are available to them in the event the services are not provided.

We at John Rue & Associates, LLC are here to help.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the impact school closures have on your student’s education, please contact us at (862) 283-3155 for a free preliminary consultation.

John Rue & Associates, LLC

www.johnruelaw.com

John Rue & Associates New Jersey Education Lawyers www.johnruelaw.com John Rue & Associates can help with your real life legal issues, from education disputes with your local public school & discrimination by school officials, as well as family & civil litigation.

“Doing Well by Doing Good.”

(862) 283-3155

What’s SEPAG?

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups: are required for all school districts in New Jersey. The purpose of these groups is to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to their districts on critical issues relating to students with disabilities.

New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) states that:

Each board of education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities. Developing & Implementing an Effective SEPAG Understanding

The Purpose

• To provide direct input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for children with disabilities and their families.

• To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs in making recommendations on special education policy.

• To advise on matters that pertain to the education, health and safety of children with special needs.

• To advise on unmet needs of children with disabilities. Keeping the Focus on Input

• Keep a policy focus: make sure the SEPAG keeps its focus on providing input on special education policy issues.

• A SEPAG is not a “support group” or a place for a “gripe session”.

• Avoid getting bogged down in busy work; such as doing carnivals, information fairs, fund raising, and organizing speakers

. • There may be both a parent advisory group and a support group in a district.

Parent Involvement in building membership through Special Education:board-meeting

• A majority of members should be parents or caregivers of children receiving special education services.

• Be sure to include families of children in out-of-district placements.

• Include students receiving special education services or former recipients as members

. • Conduct outreach to ensure that the parent advisory group is representative of the special education services received, placements, programs, ages, disabilities, schools attended and racial, ethnic and gender diversity. Providing input on Systemic Issues

• District policies and procedures

• Inclusion/ LRE • Funding issues

• Transition

• Staffing and professional development needs

• Related services

• Facility issues; such as accessibility, location of programs

• Extended school year Holding Productive Meetings

• Announce meeting dates and agenda items early enough to give interested parties an opportunity to plan to attend

• Create opportunities for active participation

• Build agendas with input from multiple people

• Use “people first” language in reference to individuals with disabilities

• Keep minutes of all meetings and make minutes available on request

• Hold regular meetings at least quarterly

• Start and end meetings on time

• As a group, agree on the process for making decisions developing Effective Practices

• New member orientation

• Established by-laws for the group’s operations

• Annual meeting to set goals and priorities

• Provide interpreters and other necessary services as needed

• Develop close working relationship with other district groups • A report of group activities and suggestions should be presented to the local Board of Education, at least annually

CONGRATULATIONS! to our own Linda Leenstra, sworn in as Morris/Sussex County Court Appointed Special Advocate

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

casaPictured: Linda Leenstra sworn in by Judge Berdote Byrne Superior Court of NJ in the Historic Court Room at Morristown, Monday November 7, 2016

A Call to Advocacy

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

August is upon us and before you know it school will be back in session.

Is your child ready? Do you know the services they should receive related to their disability? Are you worried about beginning another year of uncertainty, missed goals, and limited progress?

We can help you navigate those murky waters called “Special Ed.”

Call us today if…

  • You feel your child may have a learning disability
  • You don’t understand the ins and outs of the (IEP), Individualized Education Plan
  • You want to know your rights as a parent
  • Need help writing a letter to the school
  • Don’t understand the evaluations process, percentiles, outcomes etc…
  • Feel your child should be making more progress in academics
  • The school seems to be fluffing you off, saying she/he will catch up

Special Needs NJ has been providing families with “special needs” members for over 15 years in the areas of IEP interpretation, letter writing, IDEA law review, evaluation and assessment interpretation, understanding timelines, everything up to and including meeting attendance with your (CST) Child Study Team. Giving you the skills, techniques, and guidance to help you become the “BEST” advocate you can be for your child.

We understand ALL of the classifying categories; ALL of the related services, and most importantly How you can get the best possible program for your child to progress and become successful in their educational experience.

DON’T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE….

CALL (973) 534-3402 and we will give you a free consultation.

Statistics show that children who get the proper services during the formative years of Kindergarten-3rd grade perform beyond their expected potential. Unfortunately we see most students because they are struggling and by 3rd grade they are 2-3 years behind, by 5th grade they are 3-5 years behind, and by 8th grade they are moving into high school with only a 5th grade reading level!

However, don’t despair if your child is already in this situation… it’s NEVER too late!

call, email, or fill out the service form right here on our page.

Our prices are conservative and very reasonable

Isn’t your child’s future worth it?

 

SNNJ also provides: Tutoring, Life Skills Coaching, Behavior Management

SUMMER TUTORING

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

image439

SPECIAL NEEDS NJ

Is booking now for summer tutoring

Academics, Social Skills, Behavior Management, Executive Functioning SkillsABA etc….

Call (973) 534-3402 or email to specialneedsnj@hotmail.com

for intake interview

IEP review time!!

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

This is such a crucial time of year for all of us “Special Needs” families.

It’s time for the dreaded annual IEP (Independent Educational Plan) review.

Please, Please, Please remember the following very IMPORTANT actions you need to take as you prepare.

  • The IEP and CST (Child Study Team) meeting is yours, NOT theirs!                                              This meeting is taking place because of you, your child, and your family
  • Come prepared                                                                                                                                                Make sure you prepare an agenda of what you want to discuss, see happen, plans and interventions “needed,” etc…                                                                                                            Don’t let them dictate the meetings time frame and events. Yes, you may want to discuss those evaluations and test scores, but it is NOT the only reason you are there. Make sure you have ALL re-eval documents a minimum of 10 days prior to the meeting. Understand what they mean and what are your child’s strength and weakness areas yes, but unless you need clarification…going over stats and percentages should not monopolize the time you have to meet.                                                      If your child is already classified and has been, chances are you are aware and agree that he/she has a disability and is entitled to services. So, get down to business after a short (15 minute) review of the evals.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NEVER, deny or refuse triennial re-evaluations!
  • Parental Concerns is IMPERATIVE!!                                                                                                            Every IEP has a “Parental Concerns” section, it’s usually a tiny box only about 1/4″ wide….. This does NOT mean you have to fit all of your concerns here!                              Come with an already prepared, typed statement of your parental concerns (probably what you intend to discuss anyway) and formally REQUEST it be included in the official (LEGAL) document of your child’s IEP. This way it becomes a full part of that IEP and everyone your child works with will have access to your input.
  • Record, Report, Re-state                                                                                                                                 Most schools will send you a confirmation letter stating the time, place, and whom will attend the IEP meeting. It may ask if you intend to bring someone? If you request any other professionals and staff? and whether or not you plan to record the meeting?                                                                                                                                                        YES! You want to record the meeting!                                                                                              No, not to antagonize or catch them….. but to have a record for your own to review or for the review of others that may have been unable to attend (That parent out there earning the paycheck who can’t afford another day off the job).                                    You are emotionally involved. Therefore you may not remember or even understand what is being stated/proposed and you need to review the meeting later when you are in a calmer state.                                                                                                                                 The recording will also serve as a resource you can refer to in order to clarify the items discussed for your follow up summary.
  • Follow up summary                                                                                                                                           YES! ALWAYS follow up EVERY meeting, phone call, discussion, teacher email, notes and ANY contact you have with the professionals that service your child with a follow up summary….   “My understanding of what was discussed, proposed, implemented etc….”
  • Finally, and probably MOST IMPORTANT!!!                                                                                              Send ALL correspondence to no less than 3 people in your district ie. the case manager, head of special services, and the building principal. This will ensure you are heard! As well as provide a time stamped/documented record (always send via email) of your insights and perceptions. It also helps that others on your child’s case are aware that they are accountable to replying and taking actions by others within the system.                                                                                                                                                     A recent statement from a client…..”thank you- I did the “copy 3 people on email thing” the last 2 times- whew boy does that work! THANK YOU! “
  • Get support!                                                                                                                                                         If you feel you need some support or expert advice, contact us here at Special Needs NJ  (973-534-3402) to talk to an Advocate/Special Education Consultant

SNNJ SUMMER 2015

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

Summer Programs at Special Needs NJ, LLP

Newton, NJ (Sussex County)

Providing Help to Students with IEP’s

Join “The Crew”    image3941

A Saturday work crew that helps keep things working,   repairs, clean ups, vehicle maintenance, painting, woodworking etc…. This group is for High School students to put their learned skills to real life practices. The aim of this group is to educate towards “un-entitlement!” Many of our youth have a sense of entitlement, they want what they want! In this Saturday work crew young men and women learn how to take care of things they “want” to have. We teach the use of measurement through building projects, how to do upkeep on a vehicles, cleaning of the pool, maintenance of gardens and paths, use of kitchen tools, budgeting, and much, much more.

Details page 2 click here for full newsletter

Parents support group: support for parents with classified children, forum for questions and advice, expert seminars & program presentation, or just a night of relaxing.

Special Back to School info August

More on page 2

image439

Tutoring clubs: These are tutoring sessions provided in our center for academics, ABA & IM therapy, and life skills practices to keep students with IEP’s from regressing in their skills.

Page 2
CLICK HERE FOR FULL NEWSLETTER

Teens & Tweens

SUMMER CAMPs

 2 week sessions starting June 15, 2015, held Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9am to 2pm. This group is for young men and young women grouped as 5-8th grade, and HS age with an IEP who wish to connect with other teens in the area.

Campers will learn many life skills such as making shopping lists, shopping, cooking, kitchen safety, working together with others, following directions, properly channeling anger, coping skills, how to make friends/ conversation skills, craft and woodworking projects, plus fun events; swimming, hiking, horseshoes, and games

Each camp will be limited to 8 students per session; lunch is included each day, and additional tutoring sessions available from 2:00-4:00 pm on Monday and Wednesdays.

Price: $650.00 per session covers supplies, food, transportation for outings, end of session pizza party & Bon fire etc… additional $100. to stay for tutoring M&W Requirements: must have IEP, and pre-camp interview

DATES:

1. June: 15-26 HS

2. July: 6-17 5-8th grade

3. July: 20-31 HS

4. Aug: 3-12 5-8th grade

5. August: 17-28 HS Camps may be cancelled if minimum of 4 students each is not met

CONTACT US NOW: (973) 940-6923

CLICK HERE FOR FULL NEWSLETTER

Hudson County Special Education Parent Leadership Round Table

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

Hudson County Round Table Feb 2015

Hudson County Special Education
Parent Leadership Round Table
This is an opportunity to meet face to face and exchange ideas around what works to enhance and sustain family engagement in schools to improve outcomes for children with disabilities. Strategies to start and run local special education parent groups/advisory groups will be discussed and shared. Come and network with other parent leaders in your county.
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 24th 2015
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm (registration and networking 6:30PM-7PM)
Location: West New York Housing Authority Building
515 54th Street
West New York, NJ
Entrance to the building is on 52nd Street. Municipal parking across the street (on 52nd
Street)
Snow date: Tuesday, March 3rd (Same place and same time)
To register go to http://hudsoncospecialedroundtable.eventbrite.com or contact Myriam Alizo at malizo@spannj.org or 201-960-7159

PATHWAYS for EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment
 
pathways
Empowering Children of ALL Abilities
Project Win Win Employment Training
Pathways began an innovative employment training program for children ages 12 and above in May 2008. Since then, the program has grown tremendously. It is housed in our studio facility in Boonton, NJ. 
Richard Constable, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs visited the program in November 2014 and was amazed at the array of programs and how the children trained alongside their peers for workforce placement. The program does three things a) Trains children for careers they are passionate about, b) Works to place children in job settings, and c) Teaches about the possibility of starting an entrepreneurship. Today the world is filled with opportuntity and the work force is changing constantly in a way that helps those with disabilities. Learn how you can begin to train early to get the skills needed to be successful in a dynamic workforce!
The Harlem Wizards Are Back!
Join us for a great afternoon of fun, basketball hoops, and entertainment. The Wizards are coming Sunday – February 15, 2015 at 2:00pm at the Montville Township High School large gym. The Montville SuperStars made up of parents, teachers and Pathways’ basketball players are taking on the Harlem Wizards. All of our $30.00 Courtside tickets are sold out. We still have the $15.00 general admission tickets. Last year we completely sold out of tickets so get yours soon!  Click the Wizard logo to the right to order tickets online. You can also pick up tickets at Montville Pharmacy – 185 Changebridge Rd. or Montville Recreation – 195 Changebridge Rd in Montville. You can also order tickets on line by going to our website at www.PathwaysKids.org
Our Video Crew Does it Again!
Pathways’ video crew has joined once again with Taisha’s Table to film her cooking show. If you did not get a chance to see this, you have take a look. This recipe will no doubt capture the heart of chocolate lovers everywhere! We tried this New Years Eve and could not stop eating it, the fondue was heavenly!

DECODING DYSLEXIA SUSSEX COUNTY NJ CHAPTER

Special Needs IEP CoachingLeave a comment

 

Decoding Dyslexia NJ Sussex County Chapter Forming NOW!

Our first meeting; “MEET and GREET!”

Will be held this Friday, January 30, 2015 at the Living Waters Fellowship Board Room, on the third floor of 93A Spring Street, Newton, NJ at 7:00PM

Decoding Dyslexia – NJ

is a grassroots movement driven by NJ families concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities within our public schools. We aim to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children and inform policy-makers on best practices to identify, re-mediate and support students with dyslexia in NJ public schools.

This is our first get together of the Sussex County chapter of Decoding Dyslexia and is designed to be a meet and greet. Please note the meeting is on the 3rd floor in the board room. Hope to see you there!

Visit on Decoding Dyslexia NJ Sussex on FB

Other News from Decoding Dyslexia NJ

Decoding Dyslexia NJ Goals

About DD-NJ

What can you do?