Dear Families,

The purpose of this communication is to address the District’s implementation of special education and Section 504 supports and services for students with disabilities during the Phase Two and Phase Three return to in-person learning.

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the District’s Phase Two and Phase Three plans, the District has offered students and families the option to either continue in the remote learning format or to transition back to an in-person learning format.

IEP/DLP
The District adopted Distance Learning Plans (DLPs) for students with an Individual Education Program (IEP) to address the implementation of supports and services during remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the District is executing the Phase Two and Phase Three reopening plans, please read the following information that clarifies how the IEPs and DLPs will continue going forward:

• For students who are choosing to remain in the remote learning format, the DLP will continue to be utilized to address the provision of services and supports through distance learning.
• For students who are returning to in-person instruction, the IEP will govern the provision of those services on days when schools are open for in-person learning.
• However, when a student who has elected to return to in-person instruction returns to remote learning, the DLP will be in place and apply during such periods. For example, the DLP could apply in circumstances where a student must temporarily quarantine due to COVID-19.

For questions or concerns regarding the implementation of IEP services, please contact your child’s case manager to request an IEP/DLP meeting. Here is a link to your DCSD Parental Rights. If you would like the District to provide you with a copy, or an explanation of your parental rights, please contact your child’s case manager.

Section 504 Services/Virtual IAP Services
The District adopted Virtual Individual Accommodation Plans (IAPs) for Section 504-eligible students to address the implementation of supports and services during remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the District is executing the Phase Two and Phase Three reopening plans, please read the following information that clarifies how the IAPs will continue going forward:

• For students who are choosing to remain in the remote learning format, the Virtual IAP will continue to be utilized to address the provision of services and supports through distance learning.
• For students who are returning to in-person instruction, the IAP will govern the provision of those services on days when schools are open for in-person learning.
• However, when a student who has elected to return to in-person instruction returns to remote learning, the Virtual IAP will be in place and apply during such periods. For example, the Virtual IAP could apply in circumstances where a student must temporarily quarantine due to COVID-19.

For questions or concerns regarding the implementation of Section 504 accommodations and services, please contact the Section 504 Coordinator at your child’s school. Here is a link to your Section 504 DCSD Notice of Parent Rights.

Independent Learning Days for Students (Wednesdays):

As part of the District’s reopening plan, Wednesdays are designated as Independent Learning Days for all students. Although students will not report for in-person learning on those days, Wednesdays will continue to be used to support students with mastery of previously taught content through independent learning.

In conclusion, the District will continuously monitor current COVID-19 data and the implementation of mitigation strategies to determine if the current learning model should be adjusted. Also, please note that due to health and safety measures associated with COVID-19, teachers and related service providers may provide services virtually at times. We will continue to collaborate and communicate with parents regarding services and supports for students with disabilities to maintain successful student outcomes. We hope you and your family remain safe and healthy during this time.