The Intersect of COVID-19, IDEA, and Pre-K

PreKTeachandPlay.com Podcast

In this bonus Pre-K Teach & Play podcast episode, I sit down to talk with Pat Radel, a special education lawyer, advocate, and father.

We start off by sharing what he know as of April 7, 2020 about serving students on IEP during the pandemic.

We then explore 20 U.S.C. 1414 (d)(1)(A)(i)(I)(bb) that states - IEP shall identify “for preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child’s participation in appropriate activities”

The bulk of our conversation centers on 5 underutilized aspects of the IEP.

• Student Strengths - 20 USC 1414 (d)(3)(A)(i)
• Concerns of the Parent - 20 USC 1414 (d)(3)(A)(ii)
• Communication/Assistive Technology - 20 USC 1414(d)(3)(B)(iv) & (v)
• Supports for School Personnel - 20 USC 1414 (d)(1)(A)(i)(IV) - statement of services “to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child” - 20 USC 1414 (d)(3)(C) - “support for school personnel” - e.g. information on specific disability & implications for instruction (Note - Official Comment to the enabling regulation makes it clear that this refers to support to meet unique & specific needs of child, not general in-service)
• Parent Counseling & Training - definition of “related services” under 34 CFR 300.34

We end the conversation (abruptly due to tech issue on my end) about eligibly determination at this time. We specifically explore the requirement to administer a standardized test.

To learn more about Pat go to https://www.getnicklivingston.com/