Special Education in the Time of Distance Learning
xMINDS HOLDS ITS FIRST VIRTUAL EVENT - and starts a weekly webinar series!
On April 7, xMinds held its first virtual event, a webinar called “SPED and FAPE in the Time of Distance Learning,” featuring Michael Gerton, Education Attorney at Fierst and Fink in Rockville. Michael answered questions about distance learning and how it relates to FAPE, timelines, IEP meetings, Individual Distance Learning Plans, revisions and agreements, compensatory services, related services and more. It was a great chance for parents to hear from an expert and get their questions answered. You can review the entire recorded event here.
In response to the overwhelming response from parents to our first webinar, we have set up a second event on the same topic scheduled for April 16. This second webinar will feature Education Attorney Kimberly Glassman, from the Law Office of Brian Gruber, a firm that is also a professional member of xMinds. Register early and submit your questions here.
We’re now looking forward to scheduling a weekly webinar every Thursday from 7pm to 8:30 while schools are closed. We’ll bring in experts to discuss the topics that most concern parents of ASD students in Montgomery County. So look for our weekly email blast to know who’s on the agenda for our next Thursday night webinar!
Supplementing Your Student's Distance Learning
ONLINE RESOURCES FROM XMINDS AND MORE
If you're looking for more ways to keep your student engaged for the duration of Maryland's stay at home order, check out the resources compiled on our site:
xMINDS: xMinds has resources for both ALO and Diploma-Bound students.Our ALO site has activities, games, videos, and printables that cover academic skills like math and reading, as well as social skills, physical activity, art, music and science. Visit our ALO Students at Home page for more information.
Our Diploma-Bound site includes instructional videos, worksheets, and lessons for a variety of academic subjects like math, science, history, and grammar. We've also included resources for SAT, ACT and AP Test preparation. Visit our Diploma Bound Students at Home page for more information.
You can also find on our site an up-to-date list of communications from MCPS relating to Continuity of Learning and COVID-19.
THE TREATMENT AND LEARNING CENTERS: TTLC is offering online Learning Enrichment Services and Speech-Language, Occupational Therapy and Counseling. They have also compiled a large list of free online resources including reading, math, writing, spelling, science, social studies, foreign languages, art/music/theater, physical activity, libraries/online books, museums/zoos/aquariums, activities and resources, social and emotional, organization, and general resources. And for the month of April, TLC is offering free virtual screenings. Visit ttlc.org for more info.
MOCO MOVEMENT CENTER: MOCO Movement Center is offering virtual, interactive programs including Facebook Live Videos as well as therapeutic supports and private sessions.
CENTER FOR COMMUNICATION & LEARNING and ALLIANCE PEDIATRICS: In April, CCL & Alliance Pediatrics are offering two virtual PEERS programs, PEERS Flex and PEERS Extended, to help your tween/teen navigate social distancing without social disconnection. Both groups include a free parent coaching session. Email peers.maryland@gmail.com for details.
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