On June 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) issued new guidance regarding dispute resolution in special education in the current COVID-19 environment. This guidance does not create any additional requirements outside of the law. Rather, it provides an interpretation of existing law in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance was issued in two parts, one applying to …
Breaking news from LAUSD
May 18, 2020 The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has issued a Prior Written Notice explaining its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its distance learning program. On March 16, 2020, LAUSD closed its schools due to COVID-19. On April 13, 2020, LAUSD extended its school closures through June 12, 2020, the end of the 2019-2020 school year. In the meantime, …
A Report Back from A Conversation State Director of Special Education, California Department of Education
On May 4, 2020, Associate Attorney, Alex Rodriguez tuned into a conversation with Kristin Wright, State Director of Special Education at California Department of Education (“CDE”). This report back is a summary of the call, and does not represent legal advice. Ms. Wright stated that parents with special needs children, who are struggling during the pandemic to get the appropriate …
Mental Health During COVID-19
Dealing with the drastic lifestyle changes caused by COVID-19 can be very stressful for both parents and students. In light of these changes, it is especially important that we protect our mental health and that of those around us. Parents may find our new normal overwhelming, having to now take on the role of being schoolteachers and counselors, especially as …
Governor Newsom Discusses Outline to Reopen Schools
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom gave an address that outlined a plan to reopen California. On the four phases of reopening, California’s schools fall into the “Phase Two,” category of re-opening. He also mentioned opening some school districts as early as July or August in order to remediate learning that has been lost during this time. These early reopenings will likely …
Department of Education Report: No Waivers to Students’ Rights
On April 27, 2020, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos submitted her report concerning waivers to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”). DeVos and the Department of Education (“Department”) are not requesting waivers that would impact a student’s right to receive a free and appropriate public education in the least …
Mainstream reporting recognizing challenges to students with disabilities posed by the crisis
While much of the media focus on school closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been on general difficulties, there have been a few articles looking at the unique challenges to families with students with disabilities. Erica Moser, writing for the Connecticut based The Day, looks at the struggles of several parents who are doing their best despite the difficulties. …
Distance Learning Resources for Parents of Students with Disabilities
With the statewide school closure being extended through the end of the 2019-2020 school year, many parents are looking for extra resources to supplement the distance learning programming provided by their school districts. We at the Law Offices of Hirji & Chau want to help direct parents toward free, online resources that they can access during the school closures. We …
California is slowly rolling out a program to increase access to internet and computers
Governor Gavin Newsom gave an update today on the current state of public education and what is to come. The state is planning on providing free wi-fi and hotspots that will roll out the first week of May, and is raising additional funds to provide chromebooks to students to “bridge the equitable divide”. Regional Centers are distributing chromebooks in rural …
Reimbursement for Privately Funded Services
The current school closures due to COVID-19 have left several families of children in special education wondering what options they have for ensuring that their child does not fall behind or regress in their academics or skills. Some families are wondering whether they may be entitled to reimbursement if they privately fund additional services, such as tutoring, or language and …