A weekly resource for clinicians, administrators, and educators to stay in the loop on the latest news and happenings in the K-12 education space, with a special focus on special education, teletherapy, and mental health.

USA Today: New Illinois law will allow students to take 5 mental health days, starting in 2022

A law signed by Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker last month will allow for five excused absences from school without the need for a doctor’s note, beginning in January.

The 74 Million: O’Neill & Rhim: Stuck in the Virtual Basement? Schools Must Not Use COVID Safety Rules as a Reason to Exclude Special-Needs Kids

This article discusses the need for school districts to recognizes equality in the type of education students with disabilities receive. 

Block Club Chicago: A Special Education Teacher Is Bringing The Library To Kids With His Handmade ‘Bookmobile’

Dave Roche hand-built a mobile library and rides it around Logan Square and Avondale, providing books to students who can’t easily get to libraries during the pandemic.

America Magazine: ‘When does it end?’ Parents on the most stressful back-to-school season of the pandemic

This article discusses the growing  pain points for parents as they send their children back to school.

Drexel Now: National Autism Indicators Report: High Rates of Mental Health Conditions and Persistent Disparities in Care

A recent report from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University highlights the importance of mental health care in autistic children and adults.

Mental Health First Aid: Back to School: Five Ways to Support Your Children

The Youth Mental Health First Aid curriculum provides tips to support children as they had back to school.