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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

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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 

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If you are interested in learning more, please contact:

The Early Relational Heath Research Team 

Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

732-659-4725

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Taking AIM: Autism Identification and Management in Pediatric Primary Care

Free Virtual Symposium

November 30, 2021

7- 8:30 PM

Sponsored by: New Jersey Chapter

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Deepa Srinivasaradan, CDC's Act Early Ambassador and State Parent Lead - NJ Early Childhood Initiatives joins a panel of pediatricians to discuss:

  • The importance of screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • Timely referrals to services
  • Best practices for evaluation and management of ASD.

Register Here

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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!


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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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