MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletin June 2020 On March 12, 2020, the State Superintendent of Schools closed Maryland schools for in-person student instruction and extracurricular activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequent orders extended the physical closure through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. As Maryland begins recovery efforts for the re-opening of school…

MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletin June 2020 On June 10, 2020,the State Superintendent of Schools announced, in coordination with the second stage (medium risk) of the Governor’s Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery Plan, that nonpublic special education schools (NPSs) will have the option to reopen their school buildings to provide instruction through an alternative service delivery…

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration June 2020 During the COVID-19 pandemic the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has published guidance related to the  Transitioning Youth Processes that address recommended meetings and contact with the person currently enrolled in the Autism Waiver and their team to evaluate supports and services available. The responsibilities of a Maryland State Department…

Parents’ Place of Maryland The spread of COVID-19 has resulted in the closing of all schools while students try to navigate virtual/online instruction. Caregivers’ roles now include, parent, teacher, personal chef and teacher. All while many are trying to work from home. While most of us do not have a degree in Special Education,

by Pete & Pam Wright Wrightslaw.com We have new information from the U.S. Department of Education that will answer some of your questions and help get your child’s special education back on track when schools do re-open.

MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletin May 2020 This technical assistance bulletin includes a flowchart to support the local school system or public agency (LSSs/PAs) in determining Extended School Year (ESY) services due to the extended school closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This document also contains questions and answers that highlight the eligibility decision-making and…

Maryland Together COVID-19 Response and Path Forward May 2020 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Strategies for Moving Forward This document presents a number of strategies and considerations for school systems as communities move forward together to embrace the new normal of conducting school operations during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Reopening of, and re-entry into school buildings is…

A Guide for Emotional Well-Being Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services Assessing safety, providing support, and ensuring individual children’s needs are met can be very challenging as children are not currently in your classrooms and it is unknown when they will be returning to their school buildings. This…