COVID-19 Education

Many school districts have temporarily closed schools to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. The Autism Society understands how challenging this disruption will be for our families, and has put together these resources to help the individuals we serve continue to achieve academic success.

Schools & Education

• If your child’s school is still open, practice prevention habits with your child
• Be prepared for school closures.
  • Discuss telework and other available options with your employer
  • Speak with educators about digital learning practices
  • Seek guidance from school administration to anticipate return dates for children.
• Follow the guidance of your local government and health agencies regarding gathering of children in large numbers in public places
• Social Story: Free Printable About School Closures
• Stages Learning Material: Adapt to Home School
• Secretary DeVos Releases New Resources for Educators, Local Leaders on K-12 Flexibilities, Student Privacy, and Educating Students with Disabilities During Coronavirus Outbreak
• COVID-19 Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel

Resources for Elementary and Secondary Schools –

• CDC Guidance for Administrators of K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond to COVID-19 (updated March 12, 2020)
• CDC Checklist for Teachers, Parents, and Administrators
• CDC Guidance on Considerations for School Closure
• Fact Sheet: Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (see also agency’s press release)
• Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Protecting Student Privacy: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Coronavirus
• Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students (see also agency’s press release)
• Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Webinar on Online Education and Website Accessibility
• Department of Agriculture’s Flexibilities to Feed Children When Schools Close
• Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) FAQs for State Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies

Resources for Higher Education Institutions –

• CDC Guidance for Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education: Plan, Prepare, and Respond to COVID-19 (updated March 18, 2020)
• CDC Checklist for Administrators
• Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Guidance for Interruptions of Study Related to Coronavirus
• Federal Student Aid (FSA)-issued Coronavirus Information for Students, Borrowers, and Parents
•  Information for Accrediting Agencies Regarding Temporary Flexibilities Provided to Coronavirus-Impacted Institutions and Accrediting Agencies
• Census Bureau Statement on Modifying 2020 Census Operations to Make Sure College Students are Counted
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-issued Guidance on Coronavirus and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Nonimmigrant Students

Social Stories from our colleagues at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism –

• Why Can’t I Go to School Social Narrative
• Doing My School Work Online at Home for Elearning Days
• Having Problems with Internet at Home for Elearning Days
• My Work Choice Board
• I Miss My Friends at School Social Narrative

If you have questions about the measures we are taking to ensure the safety of the people we serve, or for those needing support, visit our COVID-19 website page or please contact us via email at info@inautism.org.