Special needs parenting in 2020 has us all focused on getting through the day, making the best of remote learning and therapies. But at any moment, in floods worry about the future, leaving us wondering what’s going to happen for us and our kids when things stabilize. And these worries are especially acute for parents of kids born in 2015 and transitioning from preschool to kindergarten in the fall of 2020.
Will schools open anytime soon? In the summer? In the fall? Will the school year be extended? What happens for kids with 12-month IEPs? What will school look like when it starts up again – in the classroom, for therapies? What is going to happen in general? To us, our kids, their educations, their therapies? To public schools and private schools?
There are big, scary questions I can’t answer – and I won’t try. This is a fluid, developing situation and no one is certain what comes next and how things will shake out.
But what I can do is help you understand how the crisis is affecting the current Turning 5 process, and give you some real, concrete help making decisions for your child as they head towards kindergarten.
On Thursday, April 30, Abbie Smith of Skyer Law and I will offer a joint video presentation, hosted by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, aimed at families of kids starting kindergarten this fall. We will address questions like these:
- Has the situation affected school options available for 2020-2021?
- What should you expect at your Turning 5 meeting?
- What are your legal rights and options? Have they changed at all?
- What if you’ve already had your meeting and you’re unhappy with the recommendations?
- What are the best ways to advocate for your child in this new reality?
(For families of 2021 kindergartners, have no fear: we will host a follow-up session on May 14 to help you get a jump start on the Turning 5 process!)
Join us for information and fellowship, and get some crucial questions answered. We’re all in this together.
Turning 5 During the Lockdown
Date: Thursday, April 30
Time: 6:30pm
Hosted by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Info and RSVP:
https://bkcm.org/event/turning5april302020
