The Capital District School Age Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center
CONNECTIONS

A quarterly source of updates, resources, and information, for families, professionals, and community partners in the Capital District.

March 2021
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Greetings and happy spring to all!
I hope you find this edition of CONNECTIONS informative and full of helpful updates and resources.

For many families and school district professionals, the months leading up to and through the spring season has long been known as "IEP Season". During this time, many families report feeling overwhelmed by the annual review / Committee on Special Education (CSE) process and are unsure how best to prepare for an upcoming CSE meeting. Adding to this is the fact that the COVID Pandemic continues to demand that people engage in non-traditional procedures and in non-traditional ways. Virtual/remote CSE Meetings is one example. Depending on comfort levels and familiarity with technology, virtual/remote CSE meetings may increase the ability of some families to participate while creating new challenges for others who aren't comfortable using remote meeting technology. Either way, it is critically important for school teams and families to maintain open communication throughout the process by asking questions, expressing concerns, and working toward solutions. The following 5 helpful tips shared by Mary Fornabia are great examples of proactive planning and communication. These helpful tips may be applied whether the CSE meeting is virtual or on-site/in-person.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance in preparing for an upcoming CSE Meeting, you may contact us for individual technical assistance by calling 518-640-3320 or emailing [email protected].

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy school break!
Sincerely,
Sheri Gaylord, Director and
Professional Development Specialist
5 TIPS TO HELP PREPARE FOR YOUR ANNUAL REVIEW / COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION (CSE) MEETING
Written by Mary Fornabia
Resource and Referral Specialist
School Age FACE Center
1. Know your child's rights: It is important for parents and families to know their child's rights under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In accordance with this are the New York State regulations, for students with disabilities, referred to as the Part 200's. Click Here or by visiting http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/lawsregs/documents/regulations-part-200-201-oct-2016.pdf. Additionally, the Procedural Safeguards Notice, that you receive with your Annual Review meeting notice date is another good resource that explains your child's rights. Click Here for this document or by visiting http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/formsnotices/documents/NYSEDProceduralSafeguardsNoticeJuly2017v2.pdf

2. Review Your Child's Records Before the Meeting: This can be accomplished through a meeting with your child's team before the CSE meeting. There is frequently not enough time in an CSE meeting to discuss all the concerns (a huge frustration to parents) so a productive team meeting beforehand is extremely important. Click Here for more information or visit https://files.constantcontact.com/c5dc03bb001/2e32f005-e823-419f-b476-3d63a0efe950.docx
3 . Create an Agenda for the Meeting: Having an agenda is important so as to ensure that all items that are important to you are discussed and are covered at the meeting. Click Here for more information or visit https://files.constantcontact.com/c5dc03bb001/9306b087-ed6e-4d0a-9c86-33082e1715b6.pdf

4. Have a Plan A, B, and C: Whenever going into a CSE meeting, it is wise to have a backup plan. This helps to foster positive communication.  You may think that a particular service for your child is a must. Be open-minded. The Committee may recommend something you hadn’t thought of, or may convince you that your child doesn’t require a service you thought they needed. Having a dialogue with the CSE team is recommended. Admittedly, this is not always easy.  If you go into a meeting dead set on having it your way, think of a Plan B and even a Plan C. For example, the committee may recommend a different level of service, or location and they may provide a reasonable rationale for this. You may choose to go along with this recommendation provided there is a CSE review in a reasonable amount of time. Conversely, if you are not in agreement you may ask for the service to be implemented as per your request, again with a CSE review in a reasonable amount of time.

5. Bring Support: It is important to bring someone with you to your CSE meeting. There are many reasons for this. Having someone with you lends to not only emotional support, as the meeting can be overwhelming when talking about your child. Additionally, having a "second set of eyes and ears" is essential when so much information is being shared in such a small amount of time. This person can take notes, remind you of agenda items, as well as ask clarifying questions to make sure you have clarity and understanding.
April learning and training opportunities for parents, families, and community partners are now posted! All events are available at no cost and are offered in partnership with the Capital District Early Childhood FACE Center and/or Regional Partnership Center. To view our list of April trainings CLICK HERE or visit https://conta.cc/3cHkb2u.
General Information, Updates, and Resources



NYSED's "Coronavirus (COVID-19)" website may be accessed HERE or by visiting http://www.nysed.gov/coronavirus. This site provides information and guidance for P-12 schools, colleges and universities, licensed professionals, adult education programs in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Guidance Specific for P-12 Schools can be found HERE or by visiting http://www.nysed.gov/coronavirus/guidance-p-12-schools.

NYSED's "Digital Learning Resources" website may be accessed HERE or by visiting http://www.nysed.gov/edtech/digital-learning-resources. The resources on this site may be used for ideas and inspiration as districts, schools, and teachers utilize technology to provide high-quality learning experiences for their students. New York State schools must consider the needs of all students and strive to ensure that learning opportunities are equitable and available to all students.

NYSED's "Parent Dashboard" provides a first step so families can be better informed as they work to advance student achievement. The Parent Dashboard offers information on all public schools including charter schools and can be accessed HERE or by visiting https://data.nysed.gov/parents/.

NYSED's "Recovering, Rebuilding, and Renewing: The Spirit of New York's Schools Reopening Guidance" (7/16/2020) can be viewed HERE or by visiting http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/reopening-schools/nys-p12-school-reopening-guidance.pdf.
Special Education Information, Updates, and Resources
The NYSED Office of Special Education (OSE) Website can be accessed HERE or by visiting http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/. The OSE works to promote educational equity and excellence for students with disabilities through its roles and responsibilities.

The OSE Educational Partnership is a coordinated and cohesive network of support focused on enhancing services and supports for students with disabilities from early childhood and school-age education to engagement in post-school opportunities. The OSE Educational Partnership website can be viewed HERE or by visiting

Regulations of the Commissioner of Education - Parts 200 (Students with Disabilities) and 201 (Procedural Safeguards for Students with Disabilities Subject to Discipline) may be viewed HERE or visiting http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/lawsregs/documents/regulations-part-200-201-oct-2016.pdf.

Special Education Publications Listed by Date of Publication can be viewed HERE or by visiting http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/datelist.html.

Topical Listing of Special Education Publications can be viewed HERE or by visiting http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/topics.htm.

Click Here or visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/2020-memos/provision-of-services-during-covid-19-pandemic.htm to view a complete list of OSE's Special Education Resources and Guidance Related to COVID-19 published since March 2020.
NYSED OSE Special Education Resources/Guidance Related to COVID-19 (October 2020 - March 2021)
2020-21 School Year Provision of Preschool Special Education Programs

FAQ and Answers Regarding the Provision of Services to Students with Disabilities During the 2020-21 School Year (October 2020) - Click Here or visit http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/reopening-schools/special-education-faq-2020-21.pdf.

Digital Resources
Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide - U.S. Dept of Education (October 2020) - Click Here or visit https://tech.ed.gov/publications/digital-learning-guide/parent-family/.

Transition Planning Resources
A Compiled List of Resources to Assist School Districts, Parents and Students with the Transition Planning Process During COVID-19 can be viewed HERE or by visiting

Regents Examination/Graduation Requirements
Exemptions from Diploma Requirements and Cancellation of the August 2021 Administration of the NYS High School Regents Examination Program (March 19, 2021), Click Here or visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/hsgen/2021/memo-june-august-2021-assessments.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions Related to the June 2021 and August 2021 Exemptions from Diploma Requirements (March 19, 2021), Click Here or visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/hsgen/2021/faq-june-august-2021-assessments.pdf

Board of Regents Acts on Emergency Regulation Revisions to 2021 Diploma Requirements (March 15, 2021), Click Here or visit http://www.nysed.gov/news/2021/board-regents-acts-emergency-regulation-revisions-2021-diploma-requirements

Regents Exams Required by USDE to be Offered in June (March 2, 2021), Click Here or visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/psc/aboutcharterschools/lawsandregs/documents/regents-exam-memo-3-2-21.pdf.
Additional Special Education and Disability Related Information and Resources for Parents, Guardians, Professionals, and Community Partners
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The Hebrew Educational Society (H.E.S.) Disability Services Department Presents: CONNECT-A-BILITY Program  
CONNECT-A-BILITY is a new, unique program initiative to help support not just your child's special needs, but you as well. The H.E.S. Disabilities Services Department invites you and your family to join us for this brand new program. For your children, connect with interactive virtual enrichment sessions designed specifically for their abilities. Programs include puppetry, music, yoga, drumming, art, and movement.For parents, connect with workshops that will provide you with the information and support to ensure you have access to the best services for your family and your child. For families, connect with monthly packets sent home, including materials to use in sessions, information for parents, alongside fun surprises! Let us be part of your team; supporting you and your child while helping you connect them to the services they need and stay connected to others during these unique times. Click Here for more information or visit https://www.thehes.org/programs/disability-services/#page-connect-a-bility.


Paid Study Opportunity
Drexel Autism Institute is seeking young adults on the autism spectrum 18+ who are graduating in Spring 2021 or who are experiencing their first year post-high school to participate in a study. Drexel Autism Institute is also looking to recruit caregivers and providers working with young adults to participate in the study.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the interest form at: https://tinyurl.com/SODIscreener or email the team at [email protected].

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)  is a resource center for families, educators, and community professionals. CARD Albany offers:
  • education and training for school personnel, families, and community professionals
  • comprehensive evaluations for autism spectrum disorders
  • ongoing research to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism
  • experiential learning opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students
Spring 2021 Virtual Conference: Click Here


New York State Council on Children and Families: Survey for Parents with Children Under 6 years old
Are you the parent of a child under the age of 6 living in New York State? Does your child go to daycare, preschool, head start, or another early childhood program AND/OR get support services like speech therapy? If so, the New York State Council on Children and Families wants to know how COVID-19 has affected your family over the last year Click Here for Flyer or click here https://www.ccf.ny.gov/council-initiatives/nysb5/related-links/


The Saratoga and Schenectady County Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
is a grant funded summer job program for disadvantaged Saratoga County youth and is income based. The purpose of the program is to provide youth with summer work experience and training to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. SYEP runs for approximately eight weeks and begins at 20-30 hours per week at most worksites. Youth are paid minimum wage: Click Here for information on Schenectady County or visit https://files.constantcontact.com/c5dc03bb001/3a5e777e-770e-4f2c-89d2-7ad5517af217.pdf



Parenting Special Needs Magazine offers Tips for Interviewing a New Therapist
"Parents may want to consider interviewing a new therapist, as they would if they were hiring any other job applicant and handle the situation accordingly by asking questions." Click Here to read the article by Chantai Snellgrove or visit https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/how-to-interview-a-new-therapist/.
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) - Care Coordination Organizations: Click Here or visit https://opwdd.ny.gov/providers/care-management for more information.
OPWDD Region 1 (Region1 (Capital District, Central NY, Hudson Valley, Sunmount, and Taconic) is committed to working collaboratively with our transition planning partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for students exiting school in 2021. You play a very important role in helping students prepare for their futures. We would like you to be informed of our Transition Planning Process which can be viewed by Clicking Here or visiting https://files.constantcontact.com/c5dc03bb001/27c40033-c928-4a04-ae7c-a2d069f87238.pdf