What an incredible time we are living in. Who would have thought in the age of FaceTime, streaming live TV, 4D Ultrasounds, out-patient heart procedures, we would be facing a pandemic that has wreaked havoc on our education system. School systems everywhere are trying to pick between to necessary options, virtual vs. in-person. Many are leaving the decision up to the parents to decide how do you want your child to learn in the face of Fall 2020. In this article you will find 3 pros to each option as it applies to a child receiving Special Education Services.
3 Pros for Virtual
Virtual (or Distance or Online) Learning is something that has been in the works for years in the Education world. Many teachers have the aptitude, the know-how, the prior tech knowledge to navigate this, now vital, frontier in Education. And when you think about it, as a society and even the Special Needs Community, we connect with people virtually all the time. We use apps to order our coffee and meals ahead of time. We rely on GPS to tell us where to go, Siri helps us text when our hands are on the wheel of our vehicle in a “no phone zone”. But when we apply these concepts to Education, parents can quickly become apprehensive, for a variety of reasons, in the Special Needs Community.
Pro 1: The obvious, less exposure to germs. While COVID-19 is not the first bug to send children with special needs home, many parents pull their children out during flu season. Or they keep their child home if Strep is going around their child’s classroom. Or children who are medically fragile may have parents who choose Homebound services or Homeschooling because their child’s immune system isn’t capable of fighting off common illnesses. Virtual learning in Fall 2020 will open a whole new world of resources for those parents. Between public School options, private schools options, and the online inventors who have been waiting for people to need their services, Virtual Learning really is the new Frontier in Education, even for children with special needs.
Pro 2: Parents are more of a part of the learning process. With IEP team support, parents can be guided into working with their child. The A-Ha moments that used to be reserved for school (when a child first read a word out loud from the required curriculum, when a child first wrote a word to express themself , when a child first did anything they did not want to do but did anyway because learning was happening), can now be seen by the parent at home. This renewal of confidence in the parent and the child can be a fire starter for the momentum of learning.
Pro 3: Parents can control the learning environment. While we have all been home during the pandemic and summer months, no doubt routines are happening. They may not be pretty, they may be out of survival and necessity, but routines are habits that we, as humans, fall into naturally. During Virtual Learning, Parents can control the day. Parents can provide socialization through “bubble” play groups, and family or friends. Depending on what the IEP team decides, parents will likely have more control over their child’s day. For some families, this allows them the flexibility they need during the uncertain times of Fall 2020.
3 Pros for In-Person
“There is no substitute for classroom time with the teacher” we’ve heard it said over and over. In-person learning, while it will have it’s differences, and children will need some time to adjust, they will adjust. Depending on District’s circumstances, In-Person learning is a goal they hope to achieve in a safe and successful way.
Pro 1: SUPPORT. Children will have a lot of support. After all, schools put children first. The IEP teams will be meeting to discuss the needs of children. Parents can request meetings to discuss their concerns and find out what ways Districts can support them. With an IEP team, parents have access to a wealth of services, ideas, accommodations, with every member of the team. IEP teams will be looking for ways to support children.
Pro 2: More eyes on children. From the concern of “Will my child wear a mask all day?”, to the concern of how will children keep their hands clean, Teachers and support staff are on it. With related services like OT, PT, and Speech in a child’s IEP, those professionals will be putting their eyes on their students. No child will be without guidance and an eagle eye from teachers around them. Teachers feel the brunt of what is at stake. If you need support or any kind, reach out to teachers.
Pro 3: Socialization. Now, socialization will look different for sure. But after being pent up in houses for four months, some children will love the idea of just being back in school with their friends. Disability or not, most children are aware and are curious about their peers. The social stimulation of being back in school can be a game changer with regard to mood, behavior, drive to learn, and overall improvement in mental health. We are social beings, not meant for isolation.
While this is a difficult road to navigate, we are here for you! If you want someone to bounce ideas off of, or talk through what you are thinking feel free to reach out! You can email us at pickupthepiecestn@gmail.com for an appointment time. We can talk you through your options and hopefully lead you to what might work best for you!
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