Hi Everyone, Like most people in the world, the COVID-19 Virus has greatly impacted my own little universe. Living in the epicenter of the virus at last count, almost 4,000 people in my county have tested positive. I too seek ways to live a normal life in these trying times. Its been very challenging to continue to write articles on special needs with so much is going on in the world.
Looking to see how I can help others during this time, I created COVID-19 virus page which I will continue to add more information as we learn more. I advise you to stay tune to both local news and get regular updates from the CDC as they update on a regular basis. If you are a reader from another County, please check on updates from your government on a regular basis.
Please all stay safe during these trying times, continue to help one another and we will come out from this better and stronger.
Articles on what you need to know about the COVID-19 Virus:
UNICEF- What parents should know
CDC Resources
Community and Faith Based Leaders
Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs
The following are free social stories on Teachers Pay Teachers Must have a log on account):
COVID-19 No Print Social Story
COVID 19 and Social distancing Story
Social Narrative for Autism
The following links and information comes from the U.S. Education Department. Check for updated information:
- Broad flexibilities provided to states to bypass ESSA mandated testing for the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19 national emergency. States education leaders can find the waiver application here. (March 20, 2020)
- Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students [PDF, 385KB] (March 16, 2020)
- OCR Short Webinar on Online Education and Website Accessibility Webinar (Length: 00:07:08) (March 16, 2020)
- CDC guidance on Considerations for School Closures (March 13, 2020)
- Protecting Student Privacy: FERPA and the Coronavirus (March 12, 2020)
- Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Outbreak (March 12, 2020)
- Fact Sheet: Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (March 12, 2020)
- CDC Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (updated March 12, 2020)
Other Languages: Español | 中文 - The Readiness Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center website, https://rems.ed.gov/Resources_Hazards_Threats_Biological_Hazards.aspx, has useful information, resources, trainings, and tools for addressing infectious diseases, related topics, and protecting the school community.
- The USDA released new information on flexibilities that will allow students to access meal service during school closures.
- The Office for Civil Rights issued a Letter to Education Leaders on Preventing and Addressing potential discrimination associated with COVID-19.
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations: Interim Recommendations for US Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease
Additional Resources for Higher Education Institutions:
- The Office of Postsecondary Education issued Information for Accrediting Agencies Regarding Temporary Flexibilities Provided to Coronavirus Impacted Institutions or Accrediting Agencies (March 17, 2020)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued guidance on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Nonimmigrant Students (March 9, 2020)
- The CDC issued Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (March 2, 2020)
- The Office of Postsecondary Education issued Guidance for interruptions of study related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Federal Student Aid issued Coronavirus Information for Students, Borrowers, and Parents.
Schools should continue promoting everyday disease prevention strategies:
- If you are sick, stay home from school.
- Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Consult this web page for further guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Schools can share relevant CDC fact sheets to help students, families, and staff understand COVID-19 along with steps they can take to protect themselves:
- What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- What to do if you are sick
- Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19
COVID-19 and Special Needs
Best practices in using telemedicine for ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic
How to help a child with autism adjust
Supporting families through COVID-19
Handwashing
CDC- Handwashing Training and Education-Includes lessons and activities for all ages including a 30-page PDF and age appropriate handwashing curriculum.
Free Printables– Activities from nourishinteractive.com, includes handwashing worksheets, lesson plans and a math sequencing worksheet that teaches the important steps to good handwashing techniques.
Kids Handwashing Coloring Page– Developed by Lancaster County Health Department including 2 coloring pages and instructions on how to wash your hands properly.
Teach-nology- A lesson plan for kids pre-school age which discusses germs and how germs make people sick.
Why We Wash Our Hands– From Florida Health Department for children ages 3-41/2. The lesson educates children on how to prevent common health problems by developing handwashing skills.
The following articles are links to articles specific to handwashing and the COVID-19 virus:
CDC- Handwashing and Prevention
The following are worksheets to keep your little ones busy during this time:
Free Printable Money WorkSheets
Free Skip Counting by 5″s Worksheet
