Educating Kids with Learning Challenges

With COVID-19 causing schools to close and parents to take up the mantle of educators, families with special needs kids may have particular concerns. You may feel you aren’t ready to be your child’s teacher, even for a little while. These resources are for you. Feel free to call or email the library with research questions, requests for resources, or assistance with finding what you need. You are not alone.

As you take those first steps toward educating your special needs child at home, it will be important to think about creating routines and teaching independence.

Looking for information on particular learning challenges? Time4Learning has detailed Special Education (SPED) sections highlighting tips for working with autism, Down Syndrome, auditory processing disorders and dyslexia at home.

Ready for a book? Consider the Talking Books Service (managed by the Idaho Commission for Libraries). Audio books and magazines can be loaned free to any Idaho resident who is unable to read standard print, hold a book, or turn pages due to a temporary or permanent physical limitation.

Geared to Idaho’s homeschool families, “Homeschooling in Idaho” has detailed tips for educating special needs kids.

It’s easy to feel isolated. Today it might seem as if you’re standing on top of a mountain by yourself. But here’s the good news: you are NOT alone. SPED Homeschool features a gallery of resources that are great for short term use.

For anyone who might want to get involved with the political implications of coronavirus-related SPED decisions, this article from National Public Radio is a starting place.