Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Updated May 22, 2020, 9:18 AMWe aim to provide state Part C and Part B, Section 619 programs with the latest information on funding and guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may wish to begin by reading the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. For specific questions pertaining to Part C or Section 619, contact your ECTA state contact. For Part B, K-21, contact NCSI.
See also:
- FAQ Regarding the Delivery of IDEA Early Childhood Services
- Supporting Children and Families
- (Re)Opening
- Considerations for Increasing In-Person Activities and Making Infrastructure Adjustments for Part C During COVID-19
- Remote Service Delivery and Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education
OSEP: Continuity of Learning During COVID-19
Updated daily
This page provides information, tools, and resources to help parents, teachers and related service providers meet the educational, behavioral, and emotional needs of children and youth with disabilities through remote and virtual learning. Additionally, a searchable database is available to filter these resources by age, audience and topic.
Report to Congress of U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos Recommended Waiver Authority under the CARES Act
April 27, 2020
The report includes waiver authority recommendation for one early childhood IDEA waiver, which is specific to transition from Part C to Part B. This waiver authority would provide the Secretary with the authority to extend the IDEA Part B transition evaluation timelines (Part B initial evaluation) so that toddlers served under Part C may continue to receive services after their third birthday and until a Part B evaluation could be completed and eligibility determined. The recommendation goes on to state that this flexibility should allow for CARES Act funds or other Federal education funds (e.g., IDEA Part B funds) to be used to provide these services. U.S. Secretary DeVos does not recommend Congress pass any additional waivers concerning Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements of the IDEA during the COVID-19 national emergency.
Supplemental Fact Sheet Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities
March 21, 2020
Many schools and programs are moving to distance learning or tele-intervention. Some educators may feel reluctant to provide any distance instruction because they believe that federal disability law presents insurmountable barriers to remote education. This is simply not true. In this March 21, 2020 document, OSEP reminds schools they should not opt to close or decline to provide distance instruction for students with disabilities. A Spanish-language version of this fact sheet is also available: Hoja informativa sobre el riesgo de COVID-19 en escuelas preescolares, primarias y secundarias que atienden a niños con discapacidades
Email to SEA Directors and Part C Coordinators Regarding Submission Flexibility for FY 2020 IDEA Grant Applications
April 26, 2020
The text of the email is reprinted below:
Submission Flexibility for FY 2020 IDEA Grant Applications
- From: Corr, Greg
- Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2020 6:04 PM
- Subject: Submission Flexibility for FY 2020 IDEA Grant Applications
Dear SEA Director and Part C Coordinator,
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) appreciates your work in meeting the needs of infants, toddlers, students, and their families during the challenges imposed on your programs by the Covid-19 pandemic. We know you are operating under extremely stressful circumstances and we are continuously exploring ways in which we can alleviate some of that burden for you.
Many of you have contacted OSEP to share your challenges with submitting your IDEA grant application for FFY 2020. Specifically, you have discussed how the pandemic restrictions that exist within your States have hampered your ability to obtain wet signatures on your IDEA grant applications. In order to address these difficulties, OSEP is providing the following flexibilities for the FFY 2020 Grant Application process:
Submission Instructions:
OSEP will accept a pdf copy of your State's FFY 2020 IDEA grant application with an electronic signature. This "e signature" can be a two-factor authenticated signature or an image file of the signature of the lead agency director or their designee that has the authority to certify the assurances that are contained in the application.
The pdf copy of your State's FFY 2020 grant application must be submitted to one of the following OSEP application email addresses:
- Part B: OSERS.bapp@ed.gov
- Part C: OSERS.capp@ed.gov
Application Deadlines:
The application due dates for the grant applications are:
- Part C: Friday, May 1, 2020
- Part B: Friday, May 15, 2020
If you need additional time to complete your grant application due to the revised submission instructions for 2020, please contact Jennifer Simpson at Jennifer.simpson@ed.gov.
Hard Copy Grant Applications:
States will still be required to submit hard copy FFY 2020 IDEA grant applications to OSEP by mail. However, the due date for submission of those documents to OSEP is no later than August 1, 2020.
We look forward to the receipt of your grant application documents.
Gregg
- Division Director
- Monitoring and State Improvement Planning
- Office of Special Education Programs
- Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
- U.S. Department of Education
- 550 12th St. SW
- Washington, DC 20202-2600
- 202-245-7309
- 202-999-0253 (mobile)
- gregg.corr@ed.gov
- www.ed.gov/osers
A follow-up email was sent the following day, including additional instructions on electronic grant submission. The text of the email is reprinted below:
Additional Instructions -Electronic Grant Submission
- From: Corr, Greg
- Sent: Monday, April 27, 2020 9:39 AM
- Subject: Additional Instructions -Electronic Grant Submission
SEA Directors and Part C Coordinators,
Sunday evening, I sent you an email that explained the flexibilities that are available to you for submission of your State's FFY 2020 IDEA Grant Applications (original message is included below). As you prepare to send your applications to OSEP, please follow these additional instructions:
- Provide the phone number and email address of the State government official who signed the application so that OSEP can contact them and verify that they signed the document.
- This information can be provided in the body of the email message that includes your grant application or can be included in a cover letter with your application.
- Ensure that your submission is sent from an official State government email address.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Simpson at Jennifer.simpson@ed.gov.
Thanks again,
Gregg
- Division Director
- Monitoring and State Improvement Planning
- Office of Special Education Programs
- Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
- U.S. Department of Education
- 550 12th St. SW
- Washington, DC 20202-2600
- 202-245-7309
- 202-999-0253 (mobile)
- gregg.corr@ed.gov
- www.ed.gov/osers
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund
April 23, 2020
Congress set aside approximately $13.2 billion of the $30.75 billion allotted to the Education Stabilization Fund through the CARES Act for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund). The Department will award these grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for the purpose of providing local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that are LEAs, with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the Nation. ESSER Fund awards to SEAs are in the same proportion as each State received funds under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, in fiscal year 2019. States have until July 1, 2020 to apply.
Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund
April 14, 2020
Congress has set aside approximately $3 billion of the $30.75 billion to the Education Stabilization Fund through the CARES Act for the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF). These grants will be awarded to States (governor's offices) based on a formula stipulated in the legislation: 60% will be awarded based on the State's relative population of individuals aged 5 through 24 and 40% will be awarded based on the State's relative number of children counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).
If you have any questions, email GEERF@ed.gov
FERPA and Virtual Learning During COVID-19
March 30, 2020
Through a series of 10 real-world scenarios, this webinar by the Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) answers questions about privacy, security and FERPA regulations. The video offers pertinent takeaways and issues to consider from each scenario. Also examined are the top five things to consider around privacy and security for virtual learning such as what education platforms the school or district already uses and being transparent with parents, students and the school community.
Letter to Part C Coordinators Regarding SSIP Timelines
March 24, 2020
OSEP sent a letter to State Directors and Part C Coordinators regarding SSIP timelines. The text of the letter is reprinted below:
State Systemic Improvement Plan
- From: VanderPloeg, Laurie
- Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 4:20 PM
- Subject: State Systemic Improvement Plan
Dear State Directors and Part C Coordinators:
In response to inquiries from multiple stakeholders and following deliberative conversations within the Department, OSEP would like to provide updates on upcoming timelines specific to the FFY 2018 SPP/APR, including the submission due date for the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). We have recently received questions regarding a possible extension of the due date for the SSIP (Indicators B-17 and C-11) and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the SPP/APR clarification period and OSEP's issuance of States' annual determinations.
Although OSEP recognizes the unique and challenging circumstances state offices are experiencing, we have decided to adhere to the April 1, 2020 due date for the SSIP. We acknowledge that there may be circumstances related to the COVID-19 crisis that impact a State's ability to meet the April 1st deadline and OSEP is prepared to address State-specific needs as they arise. If you are unable to submit the SSIP by April 1st, please contact OSEP at SPPAPR@ed.gov, and cc Leslie.Fox@ed.gov, prior to April 1st.
As States continue to weather the impact of COVID-19 on schools and early intervention programs, OSEP recognizes that timely information and clear expectations are critical for your planning and decision-making. As you know, the SPP/APR clarification period is scheduled from April 14 - April 28 for Part C, and April 16 - April 30 for Part B. If necessary, OSEP may adjust these dates based on emerging issues. However, at this time we continue to be committed to completing our reviews of States' SPP/APRs and issuing determinations in a timely manner.
Thank you for your on-going work to support infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities and their families under such challenging circumstances.
Sincerely,
- Director
- Office of Special Education Programs | United States Department of Education
- 550 12th Street SW | Washington, D.C. 20202
- Phone: (202) 245-6180
- Email: laurie.vanderploeg@ed.gov
See also: State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP)
FERPA and Virtual Learning Related Resources
March 20, 2020
As educators and students move to virtual learning during this time of social distancing due to COVID-19, The Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) has received questions about available resources on virtual learning and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students
March 16, 2020
This fact sheet from OCR presents the rights of students with disabilities during school closures, and reminds schools of their legal obligation to comply with non-discrimination obligations under civil rights laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the ADA, and provides tools to assist schools in facilitating distance learning for all students.
Q&A on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak
March 12, 2020
This document outlines states' responsibilities to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families, and to the staff serving these children. During an outbreak of COVID-19, LEAs and EIS programs will need to collaborate with their SEA, BIE, or local public health department to protect the health and safety of their students.
FERPA & Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
March 12, 2020
The Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) prepared this document to assist school officials working with public health officials in managing public health issues related to COVID-19, while protecting the privacy of students' education records. Understanding FERPA helps enable school officials to act quickly and with certainty when confronting challenges that affect the health or safety of students or other individuals.
Non-Regulatory Guidance on Flexibility and Waivers for Grantees and Program Participants Impacted by Federally Declared Disasters (2018)
September 20, 2018
This document discusses waivers and other forms of relief from Federal requirements in order to provide programs the operational flexibility necessary to continue operations as they recover from extended school or program closures due to a disaster. The guidance addresses flexibility on reporting deadlines, timelines for grant-funded activities, and maintenance of fiscal effort or matching requirements, where applicable; proposes potential alternatives and strategies for providing program services after disruption; and suggests methods for ensuring continuity of services and communication with program participants. In addition, the document covers a variety of topics specific to various program areas.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
FY2020 Supplemental Funds in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019
April 14, 2020
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 2020 has $750 million available for Head Start and Early Head Start agencies for supplemental summer programs and one-time activities in response to COVID-19. As a result of the CARES Act, $500 million will fund high-quality summer learning experiences that promote school readiness and successful transition to kindergarten. For one-time COVID-19 response activities, $250 million is available for such activities as mental health services, crisis response, and staff training and professional development on infectious disease management. Applications are due by May 15, 2020.
Responding to Head Start Grantee Questions on COVID-19
March 31, 2020
The Office of Head Start (OHS) has received many questions from grantees seeking approval for local decisions about operations. OHS general guidance is reprinted below, and are also posted and being updated regularly.
Notification of Enforcement Discretion for telehealth remote communications during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency
March 23, 2020
During this nationwide public health emergency, covered health care providers subject to the HIPAA Rules may seek to communicate with patients, and provide telehealth services, through remote communications technologies. Some of these technologies, and the manner in which they are used by HIPAA covered health care providers, may not fully comply with the requirements of the HIPAA Rules.
General Disaster Recovery Flexibilities ACF-IM-HS-19-01
March 6, 2020
Closure of centers in areas heavily impacted by COVID-19 is an important element of containing and limiting its spread. In recognition of the unique circumstances associated with COVID-19, OHS is directing programs to continue to pay wages and provide benefits for staff unable to report to work during center closures necessary to address COVID-19. During center closures, employees should continue to engage families and to deliver services to the extent possible, remotely. This flexibility remains in effect through April 30, 2020 unless further extended by OHS.
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
Updated daily
The ACF promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities. Its website provides COVID-19-related resources related to early childhood development, child care, child welfare, and community services, among other topics.
Center for Medicaid Services
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for State Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies
April 2, 2020
This 34-page document answers questions about Medicaid and CHIP ranging from emergency preparedness to flexibilities in eligibility and enrollment, benefits, cost-sharing, managed care and health information exchange.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC information on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Updated daily
The CDC has issued the following specific guidance for schools:
- Make hand cleaning supplies readily available.
- Encourage students and staff to stay home if sick.
- Monitor absenteeism.
- Plan for digital and distance learning.
- Be prepared to temporarily dismiss or close schools and cancel events.
- Short term dismissals for cleaning and contact tracing if you have a case.
- Longer dismissals if you have substantial spread in your area.
- Plan ways to continue student services such as school meal programs if schools close.
- Stagger staffing or schedules to reduce in-person interaction.
- Work with your local health department for guidance on closures and re-openings.
Additional Resources from the CDC
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children
- Considerations for School Closure
- Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
- COVID-19 in ASL
Resources for Small Businesses
SBA Loans: Frequently Asked Questions
April 29, 2020
This document from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) includes information on helping child care programs understand and navigate small business loan options specific to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
April 27, 2020
The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship developed this FAQ on small business supports via the CARES Act including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Small Business Debt Relief Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Injury Grants, Small Business Counseling, Contracting, and Tax Provisions.
Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide and Checklist
April 1, 2020
This U.S. Chamber of Commerce guide helps small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan. It answers the following questions for borrowers: am I eligible, what are lenders looking for, how much can be borrowed and will the loan be forgiven?
See also: Main Street Alliance: Small Business Resources
Remote Service Delivery and Distance Learning in response to COVID-19
OCR Short Webinar on Online Education and Website Accessibility
March 17, 2020
This webinar reminds decisionmakers of their responsibility in making distance learning accessible to students with disabilities, unless equally effective alternate access is provided. Online learning tools must also be compatible with the various forms of assistive technology that students might use.
More on Remote Service Delivery and Distance Learning
- Notification of Enforcement Discretion for telehealth remote communications during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency (HHS)
- COS Completion When Teams Can't Meet in Person (ECTA Center, DaSy Center)
- COVID-19 Resources (Early Childhood Personnel Center)
- Telehealth in Physical Therapy in Light of COVID-19 (APTA)
- Telepractice Services and Coronavirus/COVID-19 and Telepractice Resources During COVID-19 (ASHA)
- Use of telehealth in early intervention (IDEA Part C): Resources to consider during the COVID-19 public health emergency (Public Consulting Group)
- Planning for the Use of Video Conferencing for Early Intervention Home Visits during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Larry Edelman)
- Planning for the Use of Video Conferencing for Preschool Special Education and Early Care and Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Larry Edelman)
See also: Remote Service Delivery and Distance Learning
National Organizations
The following organizations are maintaining their own sets of resources for policymakers and educators:
Alliance for Early Success (AES)
- Latest COVID-19 resources (also available by state)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA)
Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
- Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Webinar
- Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Considerations for Special Education Administrators
Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
Education Commission of the States (ECS)
National Deaf Center (NDC)
National Conference of State Legislatures
National Governors Association (NGA)
National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)
- Resources for Early Childhood Policymakers on Preventing and Preparing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- China ECE Policy Response to COVID-19
Rural Health Information Hub
State Guidance
See: State Guidance and Resources on Remote Service Delivery and Distance Learning