Recovery Services
Recovery Services are unique to each child’s IEP. The District is committed to providing an array of services based on student’s unique needs. Our initial and unrealistic assumption was to provide services by August 31, 2022. This timeline was solely based on what was thought to be one-time funding from OSPI and the perception that the return to in-person learning for all schools in 2021-2022 would mean a quicker return to a typical year. Our original timelines represented a good faith commitment given the information at the time. As we approach the mid-point in the year, we face a COVID resurgence, fatigue and continued Department of Health mandates. This confluence of these challenges combined with our commitment to deliver the very best services in the current year have pushed us to reconsider our recovery services timelines while not diminishing our commitment to our students and families.
I understand parents may be frustrated that services have not materialized in the ways they were initially envisioned. Our office is working diligently to provide a variety of services, prioritizing students with the greatest need and those that are closest to graduation or that have recently graduated.
If you are looking for specific information about your students, our office is more than happy to provide you the Recovery Service document that was filled out during an IEP meeting that reviewed the number of hours based on (a) access to FAPE, (b) lack of progress towards IEP goals, or (c) regression due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mercer Island School District Special Services team- paraeducators, teachers, therapists, psychologists, nurses, administrators, admin assistants- have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of students. We are proud of our return to in-person services in fall 2020. That same commitment to students then continues now, and we have not lost sight of the recovery services for your children.
Melissa Robertson
Director, Special Services
OSPI Recovery Resources: Washington's Roadmap for Special Education Recovery Services: 2021 & Beyond
Frequently Asked Questions?
- Can the district unilaterally make a decision to change the recovery service commitments?
- Is the district looking at adding more hours to recovery services due to delays?
- If my student is ageing out of the services (i.e., graduating or over 21) how will services be provided?
- Is the district exploring the possibility of contracting with outside agencies to provide services?
Can the district unilaterally make a decision to change the recovery service commitments?
Is the district looking at adding more hours to recovery services due to delays?
If my student is ageing out of the services (i.e., graduating or over 21) how will services be provided?
Is the district exploring the possibility of contracting with outside agencies to provide services?
Previous FAQs
- How will the decision for Recovery Services be made?
- Will Recovery Services be provided in person or remotely?
- Can my student qualify for Recovery Services for Speech, Occupational or Physical Therapy only?
- What if I don’t agree with the qualifying areas for Recovery services or the amount/duration of the services offered?