Review‌ ‌the‌ ‌latest‌ ‌information‌ ‌related‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌Coronavirus‌ ‌disease‌ ‌2019‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌pandemic.‌ Our special education attorneys and advocates can help you and your child prepare for the return to school.

As we move further into life during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, what at first seemed temporary now looks like it is going to be the “new normal,” at least until a vaccine is developed. The 2020–2021 school year is going to look very different as communities begin to reopen.

We know Arlington Public Schools (APS), Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) are offering parents choices in learning models. Two days of in-person schooling a week seems to be the highest number offered. The alternative is 100% distance learning.

Would that work for your child?

We think it’s time to reconsider the education your child is getting, whether it is adequate, and what to do about it. School systems often behave as though they know “the way,” that what they are offering is not only the right way but the one sanctioned by the law and all higher authorities.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Based on firsthand experience, school system lawyers don’t know what is going to be required or what they will have to pay for for each child. Federal and state governmental entities are saying different things. Indeed, various school systems within states are saying different things. We are, at the moment, playing TEGWAR (The Exciting Game Without Any Rules) with children’s education.

So, some general advice. Don’t wait to be a victim of whatever the school system decides it is willing to offer. Our special education attorneys and advocates can help you decide what your child needs and can access in the current environment. Partner with us and let’s continue to move forward.

Some specific advice: If your child attends APS, FCPS, or LCPS, don’t sign any paperwork pertaining to the 2020–2021 school year without consulting us first. We have seen a number of documents that contain provisions to give the school system a waiver or extended timeline, which is not clearly explained, to meet some or all special education needs. These provisions can significantly impact your child’s right to an education.

We hope you are all as safe and healthy as you can be, and we look forward to hearing from you.