- Idaho Vaccination Information
- News
- COVID-19 Resources
- Youth and Education Resources
- Idaho School District COVID-19 Pages
Idaho Vaccination Information
Idaho Vaccination Information
For the most part, these are links to information hosted by the State of Idaho on their Coronavirus page, as things are updated there we will work to reflect the updates here.
Where does the State of Idaho have all their COVID-19 information? You can find the most up-to-date information about Idaho's COVID-19 response at this link.
Who is eligible for vaccination first? This is a link to a document that shows the Idaho priortization groups for vaccination. (PDF link)
What's the timeline for vaccine distribution? This is a link to a document that shows the vaccine distribution timeline for all groups 1-4 (PDF Link)
What are the high-risk conditions for COVID-19? This is a link to the CDC website with the list of people with underlying medical conditions that are considered high-risk.
Is there a list of frequently-asked-questions? There is and this is a link to a downloadable PDF that is kept updated on a regular basis. (PDF Link) (This document contains many links to other resources in it as well.)
Who do I contact with questions about the vaccine rollout? This link is to a PDF map showing the 7 health districts in the State of Idaho and their contact information.
Is there a resource guide full of information? This link is to a PDF of the Act Early Idaho COVID-19 Resiliency Toolkit to help you with that.
I have questions specifically about COVID-19 Vaccines. This link is to a PDF that answers many questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.
News


More news about this Here, here, and here.
New Tab Added ! We've added a new tab to reflect the fact that the Covid-19 vaccine is currently being rolled out in the state of Idaho.
Idaho Medicaid Service Flexibilities in Response to COVID-19
We are passing along a link to MA20-41 - A medicaid information release detailing temporary changes to take the current circumstances, and possible adjustments that may need to be made into account as children return to school.
You can see the release at this link:
https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Portals/0/Medical/DevelopmentalDisabilities/COVID/MA20-41%20Returning%20to%20School%20and%20Requesting%20CHIS%20Increases_sign.pdf
Remote Learning vs Homebound vs Homeschool
Helping Education Leaders and Communities Identify the Key Differences
Sometimes people think that remote learning, homebound services, and homeschooling are the same thing, but they are not. Each have state specific policies and procedures for implementation. Remote learning is an alternative instructional learning model being utilized in school systems across the county in various ways as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Review the comparison below to understand the key differences in each an how IDEA Provision apply
Remote Learning
SCENARIO: Student is enrolled in a public school system and receives education services (including special education and related services) outside of the traditional brick and mortar school building through a processes determined by the public school system.
IDEA implications: Student is entitled to all provisions of IDEA. Public school systems shall ensure free appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and procedural safeguards are implemented
Homebound
SCENARIO: Student is enrolled in a public school system and receives special education and related services in the student’s home or other designated setting such as a hospital because the IEP team determined homebound is the most appropriate placement based on the student’s individual health and/or academic needs.
IDEA implications: Student is entitled to all provisions of IDEA. Public school systems shall ensure FAPE is provided in the LRE and procedural safeguards are implemented.
Homeschool
SCENARIO: Student is NOT enrolled in a public school system because the parent opted not to enroll in a public or a private school and instead will deliver all instruction at home in accordance with state homeschool guidelines
IDEA implications: FAPE does not apply to homeschool. Limited procedural safeguards of IDEA may apply to child find and evaluation activities.
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP: Individual Education Program
LRE: Least Restrictive Environment
FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education
- Special Education Guidance for Back-to-School 2020
The Idaho Department of Education has released the Special Education Guidance document for Back to School 2020 - Download the PDF by clicking the image or this link.
Temporary Medicaid Guidance for School-Based-Services for Back-to-School under COVID-19
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare COVID-19 Hotline
IDAHO COVID-19 HOTLINE
888-330-3010
For the full text of the post click here
When you’re isolated at home, feelings
of anxiety, loneliness, or worry may become
overwhelming. Experiencing these feeling is
common during times of heightened stress.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. We’re here to help!
The Department of Health and Welfare has
opened an Idaho COVID-19 Hotline with an option
for behavioral health.
IDAHO COVID-19 HOTLINE
888-330-3010
We offer anonymous and confidential assistance for all, no matter your situation.
If you are experiencing any type of distress from feeling overwhelmed or isolated,
a mental health challenge, substance use disorder, or if you are seeking resources
during this difficult time, please reach out!
We have trained professionals ready and available to talk with you and assist you
in accessing the mental health and substance use disorder services you need.
Resources for Idaho Residents
Idaho Care Line: call 2-1-1 or visit www.211.idaho.gov
Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: call 2-1-1 or 208-398-4357
Optum Idaho Member Crisis Line: call 855-202-0973
For Immediate Release July 9, 2020
Contact: Mike Keckler 208-332-1591 (office)208-866-5734 (cell) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click here to show full article
BOARD APPROVES SCHOOL REOPENING FRAMEWORK
The Idaho State Board of Education today approved a framework plan to safely reopen Idaho public schools this fall.
The Idaho Back to School Framework sets expectations, establishes guidelines and best practices for school districts and charter schools to use to open school buildings and plan for necessary actions based on local public health conditions.
State Board President Debbie Critchfield says opening schools is a priority and local school officials should use the Back to School Framework as a guide in working with local stakeholders and public health districts to open schools in amanner that fits local circumstances.
“We’ve outlined recommended procedures based on the level of coronavirus transmission occurring in various communities across the state at any given time and we’ve listed the procedures by category,” Critchfield said. “For instance, a school located in a Category 1 area where there is no community spread occurring can use this framework as guidance on how to open the school. On the other hand, a school located in a Category 3 area where there is substantial community spread will see suggested considerations for schoolboard decision making.”
“We put this framework together with help from educators, administrators, public health officials and lawmakers,” Critchfield added. “Local governance is paramount in Idaho’s public education system. We want these decisions to be made locally and this framework is designed to help school board trustees to do what they think is best for their schools and their situation on the ground.”
The Idaho Back to School Framework is posted on the State Board of Education website:
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/resources/idaho-back-to-school-framework-2020/
You can download the PDF of this document by clicking this link
The Idaho Back to School Framework is posted on the State Board of Education website:
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/resources/idaho-back-to-school-framework-2020/
Gov. Little pushes for in-person instruction in Idaho schools this fall
Thursday July 9, 2020
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little and education leaders rolled out the new Idaho Back to School Framework today, providing guidance to local officials in their decisions about the safe reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
Click here to show the full article
Governor Little emphasized the importance of students returning to school for in-person instruction, and the need for all Idahoans to slow the spread of COVID-19 in order to minimize disruptions in education delivery.
“We do know the 2020-2021 school year will not look the same as in previous years, but the expectation is that schools will not be closed for extended periods of time. Before coronavirus, too many Idaho students faced a significant achievement gap and ongoing risks to their mental and social wellbeing. It’s imperative that students return to their classrooms and interact directly with their teachers and classmates at the end of the summer,” Governor Little said.
The Idaho Back to School Framework sets expectations for reopening in the fall, provides support for local governance and decision-making, and offers guidance and best practices on the key operational components of reopening. It is available on the State Department of Education’s web site at https://www.sde.idaho.gov/re-opening/ and the State Board of Education’s web site at https://boardofed.idaho.gov/covid-19/.
Governor Little also announced that Idaho will remain in the final stage of the Idaho Rebounds plan for another two weeks.
“We cannot succeed in rebounding our economy and safely send children back to school if we do not individually and collectively take steps now to slow the spread of coronavirus in our communities,” Governor Little added.
Information on the stages of reopening is available at https://rebound.idaho.gov/.
Idaho shifted to a regional or localized approach in the response to COVID-19. Local public health officials and mayors have the authority to put in place more restrictive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.
# # #
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary
208-943-1686 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
--
Coronavirus Stage 4 order - Starting June 13, 2020
Click here to read the full text of the order
Stage 4 Stay Healthy Guidelines
Additional details about Stage 4 are available on the Stages of Reopening page here.
View the Stage 4 Stay Healthy Guidelines as a PDF
STATE OF IDAHO
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY GUIDELINES
June 13, 2020
BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES MAY CONTINUE TO RESUME OPERATIONS AT PHYSICAL LOCATIONS IN THE STATE OF IDAHO.
ALL BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES SHOULD ADHERE TO THE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND SANITATION REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED IN SECTON 4.
VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE STATE OF IDAHO MAY RESUME PUBLIC INTERACTIONS BUT SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.
GATHERINGS OF ANY SIZE ARE ALLOWED BUT SHOULD ADHERE TO THE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND SANITATION REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED IN SECTON 4.
NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL CAN RESUME.
THE GOVERNOR AND IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE DIRECTOR FIND THAT:
1 – The virus that causes Coronavirus 2019 Disease (“COVID-19”) has resulted in a global pandemic, is present in Idaho, and has infected over 3,200 Idahoans, resulting in 85 deaths to date. The virus is easily transmitted, especially in group settings, and it is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect public health and safety and safeguard the ability of public and private healthcare providers to handle an influx of new patients.
The Governor’s Guidelines for Opening Up Idaho are based on evidence of a reduction of severe cases of COVID-19 within the State of Idaho; as well as, the advice and input of state epidemiologists, public health experts, and guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the White House. These guidelines are also based on the scientific evidence and best practices regarding the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of communicable diseases generally and COVID-19 specifically, and evidence that the age, condition, and health of a significant portion of the population of the state places its citizens at risk for serious health complications, including death, from COVID-19.
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, which the CDC considers a serious public health threat, there is a public health emergency throughout the State of Idaho. Making the problem worse, some individuals who contract the COVID-19 virus have no symptoms or have mild symptoms, which means they may not be aware they carry the virus. Because even people without symptoms can transmit the disease, and because evidence shows the disease is easily spread, gatherings can result in transmission of the virus.
At present, travel is a commonly known source of COVID-19 infections in Idaho. All fifty states and the District of Columbia have reported cases and declared states of emergency. Now, COVID-19 clusters with substantial community spread have developed across the United States, including in Idaho and neighboring states. One Idaho county had the highest per-capita number of cases in the country at one time and COVID-19 is believed to have been introduced into the county by a traveler or travelers visiting Idaho from out of state.
The scientific evidence shows that at this stage of the emergency, it is essential to slow virus transmission as much as possible to protect the most vulnerable and to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed. Following State and CDC guidelines helps preserve critical and limited healthcare capacity in the State of Idaho. Opening certain business activities in stages reduces the risk of spread of COVID-19 to Idaho citizens, including Idaho’s most vulnerable population. In consultation with state and federal epidemiologists and healthcare experts, this staged approach is intended to preserve capacity in our healthcare system by opening businesses in stages and maintaining physical distancing.
2 – Vulnerable individuals in Idaho may resume public interactions but should practice physical distancing and wear face coverings or masks while in public. Vulnerable individuals should minimize exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical. Vulnerable individuals that do not feel comfortable resuming public interactions are strongly encouraged to stay at home. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not always possible they could carry the virus back home.
Vulnerable individuals are people who are at higher risk for severe illness as defined by the CDC located at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html
3 – People participating in gatherings of any size should adhere to the Physical Distancing and Sanitation recommendations in Section
4 – “Physical Distancing and Sanitation Recommendations”Individuals should
Individuals should:
- Maintain at least six-foot physical distancing from other individuals whenever possible;
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or use hand sanitizer;
- Cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands);
- Regularly clean high-touch surfaces and not shake hands;
- Stay home if sick;
- Wear face coverings while in public, especially when six-foot distancing is not always possible (e.g., inside businesses); and
- Implement additional protocols established in the Governor’s Guidelines for Opening up Idaho published at https://rebound.idaho.gov/.
Employers should:
- Develop and implement measures to ensure employees and customers maintain at least six-foot physical distancing from other individuals whenever possible;
- Provide adequate sanitation and personal hygiene for employees, vendors, and patrons;
- Frequently disinfect commonly touched and high-traffic areas and regularly clean those areas;
- Identify how personal use items such as masks, face coverings, and gloves may be required by employees, vendors, and/or patrons;
- Provide services while limiting close interactions with patrons;
- Identify strategies for addressing ill employees, which should include requiring COVID-19 positive employees to stay at home while infectious, and may include keeping employees who were directly exposed to the COVID-19 positive employee away from the workplace, and the closure of the business until the location can be properly disinfected;
- On a case-by-case basis, include other practices appropriate for specific types of businesses such as screening of employees for illness and exposures upon work entry, requiring non-cash transactions, etc.; and
- Implement additional protocols established in the Governor’s Guidelines for Opening up Idaho and the business-specific protocols published at https://rebound.idaho.gov/.
The Stay Healthy Order effective May 30, 2020 is hereby rescinded.
SIGNATURES:
___________________________________ Dated: June 11, 2020
BRAD LITTLE, GOVERNOR
STATE OF IDAHO
___________________________________ Dated: June 11, 2020
DAVE JEPPESEN, DIRECTOR
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
Idaho - Temporary PROVISIONS EFFECTIVE April 15, 2020:
Spouses and Parents of Minor Children as Direct Care Providers
Personal Assistance Agencies may temporarily employ spouses of adult participants receiving
Aged and Disabled Waiver and Personal Care Services and parents of minor children receiving Personal Care Services. This option may be most beneficial for participants that are electing to self-isolate who have a spouse, or parent, who is able to render the care. Agencies may take advantage of the criminal history background check and training flexibilities described above to expedite the hiring process.
Idaho State Board of Education updates 'soft closure' until the end of the school year, has approved criteria for schools to resume normal operations.
See the full information by clicking hereclick here to collapse the article
April 16, 2020: BOARD APPROVES CRITERIA FOR SCHOOLS TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATIONS
Idaho State Board of Education Minimum Re-entry Criteria:
1. No statewide or local social distancing restrictions, including stay-home orders or extensive closures of businesses are in place.
a. Exceptions to the soft closure should continue to be considered for staff and student needs, on a case by case basis as determined at the local level (e.g. small groups of students that can be distanced in a way that meets the social distancing criteria for the purpose of proctoring exams or working one-on-one with special education students, as long as the school district or charter school has sufficient capacity to maintain hygiene and sanitation).
2. The peak of the state infection curve has passed, as determined by the State Department of Health and Welfare, and a minimum 14 days have passed from the identified peak. In those instances where local community spread has occurred, the local infection curve will be evaluated for determining the 14 consecutive days. School districts and charter schools located in counties that have experienced no community spread at the time state restrictions are lifted may have the 14 consecutive days criteria waived with approval by the local public health district.
3. Approval by the local public health district, after review of school district and charter school cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Read the full press release: https://
4. Re-entry plan approved by the local board of trustees identifying minimum school protocols (see list below).
Required Minimum School Protocols:
a. Cleaning and disinfection protocols.
b. Identify a plan for vulnerable staff and students with special emphasis on people over age 60 and those who are medically vulnerable.
c. Identify and plan for staff duties which require close contact.
d. Absenteeism plan for staff and students whose parents do not feel comfortable returning their student to school and for students who show symptoms of the coronavirus.
e. Communications plan for informing parents and staff of the school district and charter school response plans, protocols, and policies to manage the impact of the coronavirus.
f. Verify point of contact of each school district and charter school for effective communication and collaboration with the local public health officials.
g. Reopening plans are reviewed in consultation with local public health officials.
These re-entry criteria are subject to change in order to adapt to changing circumstances. Additional criteria will be developed for a fall start of the school year, based on conditions at the time.
The State Board voted unanimously to approve the criteria.
This is a link to the pdf of the order - the criteria starts on page 14.
Classroom IDAHO: Learn At Home
Click here for full information
Thousands of Idaho students don’t have a computer at home or a way to connect to the internet so they can learn remotely during this coronavirus pandemic. But nearly every family in Idaho has a television set and can watch Idaho Public Television. That is where IdahoPTV’s “Classroom Idaho: Learn @ Home” programming can connect these students with certified Idaho teachers so that they can finish learning for the balance of this school year.
Beginning April 20, Idaho teachers will provide instruction to students in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 via Idaho Public Television’s CREATE channel (one of our five free over-the-air broadcast channels).
Third grade instruction begins at 8am MT/7am PT, and will repeat at Noon MT/11am PT; 4th grade instruction begins at 9am MT/8am PT; 5th grade instruction begins at 10am MT/9am PT and 6th grade instruction begins at 11am MT/10am PT. The instruction will be aligned with what the students would be learning if they were still attending their brick-and-mortar schools.
The same lessons will also be available in playlists for students with connectivity at IdahoPTV’s YouTube channel.
Over the air channels include 26.3 in the Panhandle, 10.3 in Eastern Idaho, 4.3 in the Treasure Valley, 12.3 in the Paluse Camas Prairie, and 13.3 in the Magic Valley/Wood River.
On Cable it is found on Sparklight Channel 45, Cox Cable 114, TDS Telecom 47, Xfinity/Comcast 318, and Time Warner/Spectrum 1276.
IdahoPTV’s over-the-air broadcast channels are free to receive. All you need is an antenna. Our signal is available to over 99 percent of the households in Idaho. For information on where to find our CREATE channel and other free channels in your area, or how to re-scan to find our channels, visit our website.
Our full channel lineup is also available on many major cable outlets around the state. Check with your local cable provider.
Idaho Public Television General Manager Ron Pisaneschi shared the station’s enthusiasm for the project noting that “We are pleased to partner with the State Department of Education and Idaho Business for Education to use the power of public television to deliver these lessons to students in homes throughout Idaho. PBS has always been America’s largest classroom, but now we are bringing Idaho’s teachers and their lessons directly into students’ homes.”
“Idaho Business for Education is working during this epidemic to get computers and internet connectivity to as many students as possible who don’t have these resources at home,” IBE President and CEO Rod Gramer said. “But we also know that getting these resources to every student in a timely way may not be possible. That’s why IBE so appreciates Idaho Public TV stepping up and providing “Classroom Idaho: Learn @ Home” so that all 3rd-6th grade students in Idaho have access to instruction from one of Idaho’s great teachers.”
“For the State Department of Education and educators throughout Idaho, a crucial objective during this soft closure has been to find ways to reach all of our students with distance learning, although online access and equipment is a major challenge in many communities and households,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said. “I am thrilled that Idaho Public Television has stepped forward to level the playing field, providing instruction via equipment that virtually all households already have – their TVs.” “Through this partnership with Idaho Public Television and Idaho Business For Education, some of Idaho’s great teachers will provide instruction in math, history and more to students in grades 3 through 6, the key demographic that is not currently reached by educational TV in Idaho. We are thrilled to line up teachers for the project and help bring this brilliant idea to Idaho children and families.”
CLASSROOM IDAHO: Learn @ Home is a partnership of Idaho Public Television, Idaho Business for Education and the State Department of Education.
Idaho Business for Education collects computers for kids
From Idahoednews.org click here to see article on that site
With less than two months left on most school calendars, and tens of thousands of students missing access to computers or Internet at home, Rod Gramer sees the challenge ahead of him as a “race against time.”
Gramer, the CEO of the Boise-based nonprofit Idaho Business for Education, is spearheading an effort to get Internet hotspots and used laptops to Idaho students who do not have that technology at home, so they can access online learning.
Seven IBE teams across Idaho are collecting used computers from businesses and households with technology to spare. After scrubbing them (of data and germs), IBE hopes to deliver those devices to tens of thousands of students in districts that have asked for help.
IBE is a nonprofit education advocacy organization comprising 215 business leaders from across the state.
“This is like a 100-yard dash to try to get as many students served as possible,” Gramer said. “I’m trying to be realistic about this in terms of how many kids we can actually reach. But the concept here is to reach as many as we possibly can.”
Coronavirus-related school closures have intensified a “digital divide” between households that have access to Internet and technology at home, and those without. Nationally, some 17 percent of teenagers say they can’t always complete their homework because they lack access to internet or computers at home. That issue is more severe for students of color and students from low income households.
Idaho’s districts are grappling with these home-connectivity issues as many move lessons online to meet distance-education requirements.
IBE surveyed districts to track this need in Idaho, Gramer said, and got responses from about a third of all districts and charters across the state. Gramer estimates 10,000-15,000 students need computers and another 20,000 need access to Internet.
“It’s just not fair that some kids can access computers and access the Internet to do their studies and to do their papers that way, and other kids can’t,” Gramer said. “To me it’s a fairness and an equity issue.”
Gramer’s goal is for IBE to collect and distribute as many laptops and hotspots as possible before May 15. The seven regional teams will be coordinating laptop drop-off and pick-up services. IBE is also collecting financial donations through an “Internet for Students Emergency Fund” that will help pay to get students online. So far, IBE member businesses have pledged $135,000, Gramer said.
With limited time, and also challenges connecting rural homes to Internet, Gramer realizes that IBE won’t be able to get every home online. The is also partnering with the Idaho State Department of Education and Idaho Public Television to produce educational programming for kids in grades 3-6 that can reach the vast majority of Idaho homes, even if they don’t have Internet access.
Those lessons, called “Classroom Idaho: Learn @ Home” will start at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 20. (Click here for more information on that programming).
A few weeks into the Community Activation Project, IBE has collected just over 550 computers. Sixty of those laptops went to the Kuna School District in early April. On Wednesday afternoon, IBE dropped off another 135 in Caldwell.
“I know that sounds like a meager amount,” Gramer said. “But I’m confident that the more we get the word out, the more we will get and the more we can distribute.”
IBE is collecting any laptop or desktop computers that can connect to Internet browsers. Volunteers will scrub sensitive data from the devices and sanitize them before delivering them to school districts.
Businesses and individuals interested in donating should contact their regional IBE team.
Panhandle/Sandpoint: Brenda Carr, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Panhandle/Coeur d’Alene: Judy Meyer, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
North Central Idaho/Lewiston: Lori McCann, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Eastern Idaho/Idaho Falls: Aaron Johnson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Eastern Idaho/Pocatello: Roger Gibson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Eastern Idaho/Twin Falls: Shawnee Kyle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Treasure Valley/Canyon County: Alishia Jonas, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Treasure Valley residents can drop computers off at Kendall Ford locations.
IPUL Live
We are going live periodically on Facebook to bring information to you. You can find the archives over on our Facebook page, but we are also linking them here, as well.
IPUL Live from March 19: https://www.facebook.com/IdahoParentsUnlimited/videos/2960876690600894/
IPUL Live from April 8: https://www.facebook.com/IdahoParentsUnlimited/videos/156298805701196/
COVID-19 Letter for Parents from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Children's DD Program
All Family Centered Planning meetings will be conducted over the phone until further notice to reduce the threat of continuing spread of the virus
Read the entire letter by clicking hereclick here to collapse the article.
March 16, 2020
Dear Parent:
As you have heard, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has now been diagnosed in individuals in Idaho. As we learn more about this virus, we want to assure you that The Department is taking steps to prevent the spread of this virus while considering your child’s well-being.
To encourage social distancing during this time, the Children’s Developmental Disabilities Program is making the following accommodations:
- All Family Centered Planning meetings will be conducted over the phone through March 31, 2020 or until further notice to help reduce the threat of continuing spread of the virus. If you feel you need to meet face to face with your Case Manager please call them to discuss the need.
- Your child’s Case Manager will be available by phone to answer any questions regarding access and services. Local offices will remain open during this time.
- All Family Directed Guide meetings will be suspended until further notice.
- If you have questions about the virus, it is important to obtain information from a trusted source such as https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please consider obtaining information on how to prepare your household for possible exposure to the virus.
Here are a few steps you can immediately begin taking to help prevent the spread of this virus. For prevention measures, the CDC recommends that everyone follow the normal precautions for avoiding the flu and other respiratory diseases:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public; going to the bathroom, before eating after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least
- 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Sincerely,
Susan Stumph
Children’s DD Program
Family and Community Services
COVID-19 Resources
Act Early Idaho Resiliency Toolkit
What to Expect From a Telehealth Visit - This is a good overview of the process of having a telehealth visit, created by the Hawaii State Department of Health Genomics Section - also in Spanish!
Qué esperar de una visita de telesalud
New Resources on COVID-19 from Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare
We are sharing some new flyers from Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare on COVID-19.
Clicking on the following links will download PDF's with information about a COVID-19 help line (english and en español), guidance when you should go to the hospital for COVID-19 symptoms (english and en español), and a counseling assistance hotline for frontline workers (english and en español).
You can also download a zip file with all three PDF's Available in english and también disponible en español.
Federal and State of Idaho COVID-19 Pages
Federal CDC Page on COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html)
State of Idaho COVID-19 Page (https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/)
- Special Education Guidance for Back-to-School 2020
The Idaho Department of Education has released the Special Education Guidance document for Back to School 2020 - Download the PDF by clicking the image or this link.
A Guide to Face Masks
Our friends at the Idaho State Independent Living Council have passed along this PDF that explains the difference between an N95 Respirator, a Surgical Mask, and a paper / home-made mask. What they do, who they are for, and why you would need one.
You can download the PDF by clicking here.
Puede descargar la versión en español del mismo PDF aquí.
Map of locations where kids can go to be fed during the Covid-19 closures, from the Idaho Department of Education.
Here's the page they have the map and other resources: https://www.sde.idaho.gov/cnp/index.html
And here's a direct link to the map of feeding sites: https://batchgeo.com/map/3195baf394a7f7db04ce06c69b17842f
Idaho Covid 19 Mutual Aid Group (Facebook Group)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/599362557311758/?ref=group_header
COVID-19: Information for Families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Family Voices Coronavirus Information & Resources Page
Catalyst Center COVID-19 Information
Containing the toolkit that Medicaid.gov published for state Medicaid agencies.
US Department of Education Supplemental Fact Sheet
Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities
While it's hard to tell from the title, this is actually a Department guidance document that covers providing services to children with disabilites, touching on distance learning and how it ties into FAPE and IDEA.
FreedomScientific.com Now offering JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion free of charge for personal computers at home, until June 30, 2020.
US Providers Offering FREE Wi-Fi or Special Accommodations for 60 Days:
Click here for the full article
- Comcast- offering free public Wi-Fi for 60 Days to families who do not have a subscription already. https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/internet-essentials-low-income-broadband-coronavirus-pandemic
- Charter Communications/Spectrum- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GOYGiB4FfMKTedrAQ7hr-cqe3eVcPu8nh2V9sqDRRXAadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more
- Altice USA- For households with K-12 and/or college students who may be displaced due to school closures and who do not a currently have home internet access, we are offering our Altice Advantage 30 Mbps broadband solution for free for 60 days to any new customer household within our footprint. https://www.alticeusa.com/news/articles/feature/corporate/altice-usa-brings-free-broadband-k-12-and-college-students-during-coronavirus-pandemic
- AT&T- waiving data overage fees to all customers so that families and students can stay connected during the pandemic. The company is promising not to terminate the service of any customer over the next 60 days. AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program. https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html
- Verizon- will waive any late fees and not terminate any service for the next 60 days.
- T-Mobile- ALL current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans with data will have unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days (excluding roaming). Providing T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot / tethering service for the next 60 days – coming soon. Working with our Lifeline partners to provide customers extra free data up to 5GB of data per month over the next two months. Increasing the data allowance for free to schools and students using our EmpowerED digital learning programs to ensure each participant has access to at least 20GB of data per month for the next 60 days.
- Sprint - Not terminating service if they are unable to pay their Sprint bill because of the coronavirus, and waiving late fees incurred because of economic circumstances related to the pandemic. Customers with international long distance calling plans will receive complimentary international calling rates from the U.S. to countries defined by the CDC as Level 3. Customers with metered data plans will receive unlimited data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost. We will provide customers with an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost.
Serving SPED Students During COVID-19 Pandemic - Webinar for Special Education directors
https://idahotc.com/Resources/View/ID/661
Special Education Director’s webinar, “Guidelines for Providing Special Education Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic-March 17, 2020”
The link to the recording is: https://idahotc.com/Resources/
US Department of Labor clarifies Paid Leave for parents of adult children who have lost their usual source of care due to COVID-19
This is a link to the rule at the Federal Register.
What to Expect from a Telehealth visit from home
Telehealth Best Practices
NORD opens COVID-19 Financial Aid Program for Rare Disease Community
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has opened a financial assistance program for people in rare disease community who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.
Called the NORD COVID-19 Critical Relief Program, the effort will provide up to $1,000 annually to those eligible to support critical, non-medical needs. The program is designed to help rare disease patients and their families who may be facing monetary hardships due to the outbreak.
Youth and Education Resources
Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this resource was developed to help make virtual IEP meetings easier to use, and will have some broader application once the pandemic has subsided. This is a link to a 6 page PDF file.
Early Childhoood Technical Assistance Center COVID-19 Page
Occupational Therapy:
https://www.theottoolbox.com/
https://www.toolstogrowot.com/
https://therapyfunzone.net/
https://therapyfunzone.net/
https://do2learn.com/
Physical Therapy / Occupational Therapy:
https://handsonaswegrow.com/
Speech:
https://freelanguagestuff.com/
https://www.
http://mommyspeechtherapy.com/
https://www.speakingofspeech.
Fun Things To Do:
Children's story book: My Hero is You - how kids can fight COVID-19! A free story book for 6-11 year-olds
Click here to find this book in multiple languages
Kid's Guide to Coronavirus - an Ebook that provides good information in an easy to understand format
Download it here
Idaho School District COVID-19 Pages
This is a list of school district webpages that have a specific COVID-19 resource page.
If you have a correction or update please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.