Childcare, Learning and Education Tools Resources
Federal Guidance on Developing and Implementing IEPs During the Pandemic
This guidance from the U.S. Department of Education addresses many considerations for Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams and offers input on how IEPs should be modified to address changes brought on by COVID-19.
The document “Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive Environment Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” covers a wide range of topics using a question-and-answer format.
Topics include meeting timelines, ensuring implementation of initial evaluation and reevaluation procedures, determining eligibility for special education and related services, and providing the full array of special education and related services that children with disabilities need in order to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Free Virtual IEP Check-up
The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) is offering free virtual support to help parents navigate their child’s individualized education program (IEP).
During the Virtual IEP Check-up, a certified FRCD Parent Trainer will go through a child’s IEP to ensure they have the appropriate supports to start the school year off on the right foot.
Complete the center’s registration form to sign up.
The FRCD serves the following eight Illinois counties: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.
Frequently Asked Questions for Special Education During Remote Learning
The Illinois State Board of Education has posted a frequently-asked-questions document focused on special education during remote learning for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guidance for Evaluating a Child’s Medical Tolerance for Use of Face Coverings in Schools
This document from the Illinois Department of Public Health provides guidance to pediatric healthcare providers for evaluating a child’s medical tolerance for use of face coverings in schools and recommendations for evaluating symptomatic individuals.
Guidance for Return to School for Transplant Families
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides this guidance to help parents decide if their transplanted child or their siblings should return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes recommendations on minimum requirements to prevent infection and how to assess your child and family’s risk.
HealthyChildren.org’s Return to School During COVID-19
The latest American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says children learn best when they are in school. However, returning to school in person needs careful steps in place to keep students and staff safe. HealthyChildren.org provides information about the considerations needed to keep students and staff safe.
Home Activities for Families: Ideas to Help Keep Kids of All Ages Occupied and Entertained
The Arc of Illinois offers this list of possible activities/resources as a public service.
Home Visiting is Essential—Information for Families During COVID-19
Home visiting is an essential service for families as they navigate social isolation, economic uncertainty, the challenge of balancing work without child care, and other unique and heightened stressors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This fact sheet provides information on how to access virtual home visiting and how it can benefit families.
How Can Parents Find Safe Child Care in Emergencies?
Stop It Now! provides guidance about how to safely approach emergency care needs for children.
How Parents Can Help Children With Speech and Language Disorders in Virtual and Modified In-Person Classroom Settings
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides these tips for how parents can help children with speech and language disorders succeed in a virtual and or modified in-person learning environment.
ASHA also provides tips for parents on maximizing success of virtual treatment sessions: infographic and video.