Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") into communities across the United States. Coronavirus.gov offers the most up to date information about this rapidly evolving situation. Education-specific resources are available on the Department's website.

Through collaboration and coordination with State and local health departments, State and local educational agencies, lead agencies for Part C and early intervention providers, other education officials, and elected officials, schools and early intervention providers can disseminate critical information about the disease and its potential transmission to students, families, staff, and community.

Of particular note, on March 21 the Department released a supplemental fact sheet addressing serving children with disabilities during the COVID-19 national emergency. The supplemental fact sheet makes clear that ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act should not prevent any school from offering educational programs through distance instruction.

United States Department of Education (Department) established a COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) webpage to provide its stakeholders and the general public with a “one stop shop” for cross-government guidance on COVID-19 as it relates to early intervention, public and private childcare, and K-12 schools. The site includes guidance specific to children with disabilities, including the provision of early intervention services and the provision of FAPE when schools are closed because of a COVID-19 outbreak. We encourage you to review each piece of guidance. Additional resources will be posted as they become available. [Click here for more information]

OSERS’ technical assistance centers are ready to address your questions regarding the IDEA and best practices and alternate models for providing special education and related services, including through distance instruction. For questions pertaining to Part C of IDEA, States should contact their Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center State Contact.  For Part B of IDEA, States should contact the National Center for Systemic Improvement.
 
Early Childhood
The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center is providing State Part C and Part B, Section 619 programs with the latest information on funding and guidance, as well as information on talking to children and families during the COVID-19 national emergency.
 
School Age
The National Center for Systemic Improvement's web page provides a resource hub for supporting students with disabilities during the COVID-19 national emergency, including educator resources to support remote learning. Online and At Home Transition-Focused Activities. The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition hosted a webinar for practitioners and family members on transition planning and intervention resources. Materials are available on the center's web page.
                               
Professional Development
The IRIS Center offers free professional development modules on various topics, including distance learning.
 
Social / Emotional / Behavioral
The Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and The Center for Parent Information and Resources developed resources for parents support their children's social and emotional growth and minimize behavioral disruptions in the home and during distance learning instruction.
 
Tele-intervention and Distance Learning
The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center hosted a webinar and explored Part C policy and infrastructure issues for States to consider addressing in order to establish and fund early intervention through video-based tele-intervention.