The CVES Reopening Plan, whether services are provided in-person, remote, and/or through a hybrid model, addresses the provision of free appropriate public education (FAPE) consistent/with the need to protect the health and safety of students with disabilities and those providing special education and services.

In-person

Students with special needs will return to school with all safety precautions in place to assure they and those providing educational services are safe. Screening will be completed prior to the student arriving to school, and school nurses will spot check students’ temperature and any symptoms throughout the school day. Masks and/or face shields, physical distancing, hand hygiene will be consistently implemented. Student attendance in every class will be carefully documented; the use of restrooms, cafeteria, gym, and playground will be monitored to assure safe distancing. If attendance in a large group setting does not allow for physical distancing, an alternative schedule will be developed as needed.

Hybrid

CVES is planning for all potential contingencies for provision of educational services to students with disabilities. In-school programming is expected to resume, at least for a percentage of students, in September. The students who are not in school will be provided all services identified in their IEP through a remote format, until all students are able to be safely integrated within the school setting. In bringing students back into school, preference will be given to students with high needs to the extent practicable.

Remote

Students with disabilities will continue to have their Individual Education Plan (IEP) modifications and accommodations implemented, through virtual educational opportunities to the extent practicable. For families who are having difficulty accessing online programming, CVES will work with component districts and families to provide technical support, including devices, to students who need them. Parents are encouraged to reach out to the building principal for potential options. Teachers will monitor students’ accessibility and work with administration to assure that students are able access all remote services. Students who are not able to benefit from video classroom sessions may receive educational services through phone calls, materials sent to the home, support to the parent through video conferencing, etc.

The CVES Reopening Plan addresses how it will document the programs and services offered to students with disabilities as well as communications with parents (in their preferred language or mode of communication).

• CVES will maintain direct communication with parents through their preferred mode of communication (telephone, email, in person meetings, written notes, School Tool) and will maintain documentation of all contacts. Instruction or related services provided through a remote format will be saved securely. Translation services will be made available for print or spoken contacts as needed.

The CVES Reopening Plan addresses meaningful parent engagement in the parent’s preferred language or mode of communication regarding the provision of services to his/her child to meet the requirements of the IDEA.

• As needed, all print communication will be translated and mailed to parents. For meetings or in-person communication translation services will be made available.
• Staff will contact parents regularly and directly to discuss provision of services, and any accommodations that may be needed as they observe student response and progress toward goals. Method of contact will be in the parents preferred mode of communication to the extent possible.

The CVES Reopening Plan addresses collaboration between the committees on preschool special education (CPSE) and committees on special education (CSE) and program providers representing the variety of settings where students are served to ensure there is an understanding of the provision of services consistent with the recommendations on/individualized education programs (IEPS), plans for monitoring and communication student progress, and commitment to sharing resources.

CPSE and CSE meetings are initiated by the district of residence, and CVES teachers, related service providers and administrators are invited to those meetings for whom students will access CVES services. Collaboration may extend into the school year and be initiated by CVES staff to assure smooth transitions and understanding of the provisions of services, plans for monitoring, communication of student progress and sharing of resources as needed.

Students with disabilities will continue to have their Individual Education Plan (IEP) modifications and accommodations implemented, through virtual educational opportunities, to the extent practicable.

The CVES Reopening Plan must ensure access to the necessary accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, and technology (including assistive technology) to meet the unique disability related needs of students.

Students with disabilities accessing CVES services will be provided with accommodations, modifications, supplementary aides and services, technology and assistive technology to meet needs of each student. Service provision may be altered to include health and safety protocols, for example wearing gloves when feeding students who need physical assistance, wearing face shields during speech therapy if needed, etc.

If remote instruction becomes necessary, CVES assures that students with disabilities will continue to have their Individual Education Plan (IEP) modifications and accommodations implemented, through virtual educational opportunities, to the extent that is practicable.

Supplementary aides and the use of alternative communication devices may be shared with family for home environment, if necessary and appropriate.