|
October 1, 2021
Return to School Roadmap Released
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services recently released a Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive Environment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Topics covered include meeting timelines, ensuring implementation of initial evaluation and reevaluation procedures, determining eligibility for special education and related services, providing the full array of special education and related services that children with disabilities need in order to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) as well as the implications of delayed evaluations and early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families/guardians served under IDEA Part C.
The roadmap clarifies that, regardless of the COVID‑19 pandemic or the mode of instruction, children with disabilities are entitled to FAPE and infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families/guardians to appropriate IDEA Part C services. View the roadmap on the U.S. Department of Education website.
Seclusion Reporting Now Available in Stepwell MN
Thank you for your patience as the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) continues to roll out restrictive procedures reporting via Stepwell MN. Seclusion reporting is now available in Stepwell MN for quarter one of the 2021-22 school year, covering July 1-September 30 (including extended school year services occurring after July 1, if applicable). Quarter one seclusion reporting is due by October 15, 2021. All school districts and charter schools must complete quarterly seclusion reporting, even those that do not use seclusions or do not have a seclusion room. Questions about seclusion reporting can be directed to Carolyn Ellstra.
Available Resources
Several resources are available to assist you in accessing and navigation Stepwell.
Copies of Stepwell’s September 30 training regarding seclusion and a step-by-step guide to assist IOwAs with authorizing users in EDIAM are also available. Email Carolyn Ellstra to request.
Reporting Deadlines
Please mark the following reporting deadlines in your calendar:
- Quarter 1 (July 1-September 30): due by October 15.
- Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31): due by January 15.
- Quarter 3 (January 1-March 31): due by April 15.
- Quarter 4 (April 1-June 30), due by July 15.
Stepwell MN Office Hours for Seclusion Reporting
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and our partner, Red Cedar Solutions Group, will be holding optional Stepwell MN office hours, via zoom, to provide assistance as you complete your quarter one seclusion reporting. No formal presentation will be provided, but MDE and Red Cedar staff will be available to provide assistance to individuals who drop by. If you have questions, please log in to one of the following sessions:
|
