CYSHCN
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

School and Special Education

Schools and COVID Information

COVID-19: RETURN TO SCHOOL RESOURCES 
(Redirect to UW Madison Waisman Center)

Guidance/Resource issued in Summer of 2021

The CDC published its new guidance for schools. Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten (K)-12 Schools

Science Brief: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs – Updated

Guidance for ECE and Child Care

Past Guidance/Resources

The revised document links to the most current version of Wisconsin’s emergency order requiring the (continued) use of face coverings. DPI continues to use recommendations of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). This revision does include new resources and materials created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) such as the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, CDC’s K-12 Schools COVID-19 Mitigation Toolkit and CDC’s Operating Schools during COVID-19: CDC’s Considerations.
January 19, 2021–Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #104 and Emergency Order #1 establishing a new statewide public health emergency and face coverings requirement, respectively, as the state continues to expand vaccination distribution across the state.

Public Health Dane County and Madison allows some holiday gatherings — Emergency Order #11 in effect 12/16/20

On November 10, Governor Evers issued Executive Order #94(link is external) which lists new measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. This order advises Wisconsinites to stay home, use extra precautions if they have to leave their home, and adopt good public health practices. Businesses are also encouraged to take further steps to protect workers, customers, and the surrounding community. Go to https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community.htm#-holidays for help, hints and colorful handouts on staying safe as we approach the holidays.

State and National Guidance and Resources

FULL LIST: District Reopening Plans for upcoming school year from nbc15.com

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Wisconsin school districts continue working to craft reopening plans amid the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s a full list by county of where districts stand in those decisions. These plans are subject to change and this list will be updated as we learn of those changes.

Resources for Families to Support Learning from Home During COVID-19

School and Special Education

If you have questions about your child’s school services or special education; call 800-532-3321, email cyshcn@waisman.wisc.edu or contact one of these organizations for more information:

  • CESAs (Cooperative Educational Service Agencies) serve educational needs in all areas of Wisconsin by serving as a link between child’s school districts and between school districts and the state. CESAs provide education and training for parents and professionals related to educational needs and advocacy within the education evnironment.  They may also facilitate communication and cooperation among all public and private schools, agencies, and organizations that provide services to students in the state.
  • WI FACETS (Family Assistance Center for Education, Transition, & Support) helps parents build partnership through information and training with professionals who provide educational services to their child.
  • WSPEI (Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative) Creates partnership between parents and educators for students with disabilities.
  • WSEMS (Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System) provides mediators free-of-charge to help parents and school districts to resolve disputes regarding special education.
  • Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is a state agency that advances public education in Wisconsin.

For more information about what you can expect after your child leaves the education system, please visit the Transitions page.