Dear Providers:

 

As a continued result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several public school systems will offer virtual and/or hybrid school options during the upcoming academic year. Division policy requires children in foster care to attend in-person public school and, accordingly, includes a waiver process for children in foster care to participate in alternative learning environments — including virtual learning, traditional homeschool, private school and general education diploma programs. (Whenever a hybrid and/or virtual approach is the only option provided by a school system, it is not considered to be an alternative arrangement.)

 

Please review the memo "Academic Year 2021-2022: Alternative Public School Attendance Plans for Children and Youth in Foster Care" for guidance. The Non-Traditional Education Approval Form must be completed and approved before children and youth may participate in an alternative learning arrangement.

 

For more information on how caregivers can help youth succeed as they return to school this fall — whether online or in-person — please join EPAC Education Support Monitors for a training & discussion on August 4th.

 

Thank you.