Back to school has come with headaches for many parents who are struggling to balance work and remote learning, especially those whose kids require special-education services.
"He's supposed to get occupational therapy and counseling, so apparently there’s been a delay it seems because they are understaffed right now,” said parent Jessica Mayorga.
Mayorga’s son is a special-needs student in second grade and requires an IEP, an individualized education program.
However, the services he needs she says haven’t started yet, nearly two weeks into remote learning but are supposed
to begin soon.
"He’s used to having the same therapist, he’s used to having the same counselors. He’s having a hard time with class. He’s not really focusing,” said Mayorga.
News 12 reached out to the Department of Education about the support services for students who require an IEP.
It responded in a statement saying, “Our students with disabilities have been at the forefront of our planning for the duration of the pandemic, and we’re making sure all schools have the materials, staff, and resources in place to successfully launch instruction while putting health and safety first. All students will receive the mandated services they require, either remotely or in-person, based on the preference of the family as much as possible.”
News 12 reached out to the DOE about the remote bridge classes and has not heard back yet.