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.
U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
- The DOE has released over $3 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to states in order to support children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Virginia received a total ARP-IDEA award of $77,485,578.
- In his support of the ARP-IDEA awards, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardoza stated, “We know that COVID-19 and disruptions to access to in-person learning over the past year have taken a disproportionate toll on America’s children with disabilities, who, far too often amid the pandemic, experienced challenges in receiving the services and supports that they were entitled to… It’s long past time that the federal government makes good on its commitment to students with disabilities… With these crucial American Rescue Plan funds, our early intervention providers and schools will be better able to address the needs of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and ensure our education system reemerges even stronger than before the pandemic.”
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
- In an effort to provide Extended School Year (ESY) services to all qualified students, FCPS will offer a second ESY session. The second session will be held July 26 – Aug. 12, 2021, with extended hours for:
- Elementary students: 8 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. or 9:45 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.
- Secondary students: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Parents in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, among others, are working to unseat some of their school board members through a recall effort. They believe some members have acted in a partisan manner and must be replaced with non-partisan members who will take the voices of parents into consideration.
Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS)
- FCCPS summer school and ESY is currently open with full-time, in-person learning.
