As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, our practice will be affected by school closures. SPSs will need to stay abreast on administrative guidance from the federal, state, and local levels. At the present time, schools and SPSs should be taking precautions and preparing for implications related to instruction, services, and providing FAPE to students with disabilities. As resources and guidance become available, we will update this page accordingly, so please check back periodically.
ASPA Position Statement Regarding Virtual Assessments and Telepractice:
The following position statement addresses the use of virtual assessments for the purpose of identification and present levels of functioning of students with disabilities:
Read the Position Statement
Arkansas Resources:
COVID-19 Guidance from the DESE Special Education Unit
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Special Education Page
DESE Supports and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
DESE Special Education FAQs
National Resources:
CDC Interim Guidance for Administrators of K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs
United States Department of Education COVID-19 Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
ED OCR OSERS Supplemental Facts Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities (3/21/2020)
ED OCR Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students
CDC Considerations for School Closure
NASP Virtual Service Delivery in Response to COVID-19 Disruptions
NASP Update Regarding Graduate Intern Hours in Response to School Closures
NASP Preparing for Infectious Disease and Epidemics
NASP Responding to COVID-19: Action Steps for School Crisis Response Teams
NASP Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Resource for Parents
A special thank you goes to the Texas Association of School Psychologists and the Florida Association of School Psychologists in the development of these resources!
(Updated April 7, 2020)