As we embark on this new experience of distance learning, I wanted to personally write to you. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. If you are ill, I am praying for your speedy and complete recovery; and I am praying for good health for the rest of us, and the strength and wisdom to get through this.
Last week, my staff and I worked directly with the private special education schools in the NYC area. We answered questions, made sure that each school’s distance learning plans were well thought out, individually designed, and ready to be implemented. We don’t yet know how the Department of Education will react to these programs, but in my opinion “our schools” are very prepared and have designed outstanding programs that will be viewed as models of what distance learning should look like. Of course, nothing is perfect and there will be hiccups and glitches along the way, but each school is more than ready, willing, and able to assist parents and students through this.
I believe there are certain proactive or “best” practices that parents and caregivers can implement that will not only assist their children in the weeks ahead, but will help our lawyers and paralegals in their ability to get tuition reimbursement at the best possible rate.
Here are some concrete suggestions:
1) Start a Journal: Every day that your child receives distance learning (aka “remote learning”), make an entry. For example: “March 23, 2020: Sophie attended a Zoom class this morning and was able to interact directly with her teacher and her classmates. They worked on ELA (English Language Arts) and math.” This journal entry is also your own record of attendance. You can certainly develop a shorthand.
2) Take Photographs: Periodically take a snapshot on your phone as your child is engaging in distance learning. Also photograph any independent projects they are working on.
3) Portfolio: Put every piece of your child’s work in a box – date it and file it away - one box for each child if applicable. You can also put in their drawings, poems, essays, letters, emails and anything else you might use to demonstrate “work.”
4) Independent Learning/Projects: If your child undertakes any independent learning or projects, keep your teachers/school advised of this. If this is done under the supervision of the school and with their guidance, this can sometimes be additional justification for reimbursement.
5) Save Correspondence: Keep copies and records of all correspondences with teachers, related service providers and other school staff.
In the weeks ahead, there will be a lot to adjust to and I know you will all be very busy. But as you find your way, please be on the lookout for correspondence from the CSE. If you are called for a CSE review meeting, follow our directions and agree to remote conferences if they are requested. Provide your email and cell phone numbers.
There are many questions and concerns about children who will not be able to engage in distance learning due to their specific challenges. We will address this in a future FAQ. We are seeking specific guidance from the DOE concerning this problem.
We will also be updating our clients on an individual basis on the status of their settlements, focusing on outstanding monies from the prior school years and negotiating the current 2019-2020 year. We are sensitive to the financial pressure that everyone is experiencing and anticipating. Be assured that our entire staff of lawyers and paralegals are working all day long with this as our primary goal.
We are able to electronically deposit your settlement monies as they come in. We will call you to discuss how you prefer to receive money.
I am sending you all my continued prayers. If ever there was a time to be our “brothers’ and sisters’ keepers” it is now…
-Regina
