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November 16, 2021 | Issue (View newsletter as webpage)

Important News

US Department of Education Guidance Related to IEPs

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) released a 40-page guidance document. It provides direction about addressing any new or additional needs for children with disabilities as they return for the 2020-21 school year.

The document includes information for parents, educators, and related service providers about a variety of topics, such as:

Convening the IEP Team
Consideration of Special Factors including needs related to:
Assistive Technology
Social, Emotional, Behavioral and Mental Health
School-Related Health
Determining Appropriate Measurable Annual Goals & Considering the Child’s Need for Compensatory Services
Extended School Year (ESY) Services Determinations
Secondary Transition Services
Educational Placement Decisions
Resolving disagreements regarding a Child’s Educational Program

Learn more on the CIPR website here

(View a recorded webinar, view the slides used, a transcript of what presenters said, and the written guidance that inspired the gathering.)

Resources

Early Relational Health Study

Are you a parent of a child under 7 years or under?

You may be able to participate in a research study

Rutgers is looking for parents to participate in focus groups held virtually.

The purpose is to understand parents’ perspectives on ways that primary care clinicians can promote strong parent-child relationships

Participants will receive a $40 gift card for participating in this study

If you are interested in learning more, please contact:

The Early Relational Heath Research Team

Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

732-659-4725

Taking AIM: Autism Identification and Management in Pediatric Primary Care

Free Virtual Symposium

November 30, 2021

7- 8:30 PM

Reminder: Everyone Ages 5+ Can Get Vaccinated!

Everyone ages 5 and older can get a free COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccine location near you.

COVID-19 vaccines for kids 5+ meet the same standards as other routine vaccines that protect your child from diseases.

Vaccination is important because it can help:

Bring back sports, playdates, and activities
Protect family members and those who can’t get vaccinated
Prevent serious health issues such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Keep kids in school for in-person learning
Prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools and communities
End the pandemic and return to normal activities

Upcoming Events

See what's happening this month

SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them. Check out our Event Calendar for details and registration links.

Upcoming Events include:

And more!

Early Intervention

News and Resources

"Access to early intervention services is critical for the development and well-being of young children and their families..." — OSERS Acting Assistant Secretary Katherine Neas

The US Department of Education released two new Question & Answer resources. The documents address Early Intervention under Part C of IDEA:

Learn more about Early Intervention in NJ

View a brief recorded interview about the current status of Early Intervention Services in New Jersey with Susan Evans Ed.D., Part C Coordinator, NJ Early Intervention System.

See SPAN's updated Fact Sheet on E.I. in NJ.

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