An Important Message on COVID-19 or Coronavirus
UPDATE: April 13, 2020
An Important Message from the Office of Special Education
Dear Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Families,
On March 16, 2020, HCPS closed schools, at the direction of Governor Hogan, in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. At the onset of the closure, HCPS curriculum and instruction staff prepared learning packets to maintain the continuity of learning while, at the same time, encouraging families to focus on health and safety.
The Office of Special Education has been diligently reviewing guidance from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to continue to move forward with special education services during this closure. We will be utilizing a Distance Learning Plan (DLP) to allow students to continue to receive special education.
According to guidance issued by MSDE on April 2, 2020:
“…it is not necessary for the local school system to convene an IEP meeting IF you and your school staff can agree on the services your child will receive during this time that schools are closed.”
Understanding that some of the guidance may change as the pandemic progresses, HCPS Office of Special Education has begun operating on the following timeline in order to support students and families:
March 30 – April 9 Special Education staff prepare progress notes for third quarter. Reporting of progress to be sent via e-mail on or before April 24.
April 14 – April 24 Case managers continue to complete student/family check-ins and begin to draft the Distance Learning Plan (DLP) with individual families.
We look forward to working with you to deliver special education to students throughout the pandemic. We will face difficult challenges during the closure, but we know that you will partner with us in finding the best solutions possible given the current circumstances. Our number one priority remains the health and safety of every individual student and family. Please continue to take advantage of all school and county resources.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Thatcher
Director of Special Education