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Special Education Services understands the difficulties facing districts, families, and students at this time and the unique challenges around remote learning for students with disabilities. The guidance and resources below are provided for assistance:

• Guidance Documents​
  
• OSERS Guidance on Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive​ Environment Under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act​ - September 30, 2021
  
• OSERS Guidance on Return to School Roadmap: Child Find Under Part B of The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act​- August 24, 2021
• Frequently Asked Questions: Public Act 102-0172  and Public Act 102-0173​ - July 2021 - Revised September 2021
  
• Questions and Answers on Civil Rights and School Reopening in the COVID-19 Environment​ - May 13, 2021​​
  
• FY21 Grant Program Information and eGrant Application Instruction Booklet for Districts Receiving Direct IDEA Funding​​- April 1, 2021​
• Special Education FAQ for Parents - School Year 2020-21​- August 14, 2020
• Parent Guide to Special Education​- August 14, 2020​
• FAQ: Return to In-Person Instruction for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Population - July 24, 2020
• Special Education FAQ Return to In-Person Instruction - June 30, 2020
• OSEP Guidance on Parental Consent and Procedural Safeguards​ - June 30,2020
• Flexibility in Implementation of IDEA Part B Fiscal Requirements – June 26, 2020
• IDEA Part B Use of Funds- June 25, 2020​
• IDEA Part B Dispute Resolution Procedures – June 22, 2020
• Special Education FAQ​- May 8, 2020​
  
• FAQ: Special Education During Remote Learning​ – April 20, 2020
• Resource Documents
  
• The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) Infographic Summaries of U.S Department of Education Published Handbooks - May 14, 2021
  
• U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Handbook Volume 1: Strategies for Safely Reopening Elementary and Secondary Schools - April 2021
• U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Handbook Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students’ Needs - April 2021
  
• Supporting English Learners with Disabilities During Remote Learning and School Reopening: Recommendations for State Leaders​​ - April 8, 2021
  
• Tools and Resources to Navigate IDEA Fiscal Challenges Resulting from the Pandemic​ - June 25, 2020
• Remote Learning for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired​ - May 22, 2020
• Remote Learning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder- April 30, 2020
• Remote Learning for Students with Significant Intellectual or Multiple Disabilities- April 30, 2020
• Remote Learning for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind​- April 30, 2020​

For the most current information on this situation, please monitor ISBE’s COVID-19 resource page​​.​​​​

ISBE has received a no-cost extension of the ​2019 IDEA Part B Flow Through, Section 611, and Preschool Section 619 grant awards until September 30, 2021. However, districts should continue to operate and expend their 2019 carryover funds as expeditiously as possible within their current FY 2020 IDEA grants. Please contact your grant coordinator or ISBESpecEd@isbe.net with questions.​​​​​​​​​​​​