Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) Guidance
Guam Early Intervention’s COVID-19 Guidance/Exception Policy-Procedures
For Service Coordinators and Service Providers
In the light of recent limitations due to the COVID-19, and information by the Program from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), Division of Special Education, Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) is adopting the following policy and procedures.
To view current OSEP guidance, please go to:
These guidelines were created through the intention of the OSEP guidance and are acceptable methods to maintain interaction with families and support to the maximum amount possible, those affected by the COVID19 pandemic.
Effective March 16, 2020, GEIS suspended all face-to-face contact with families. All GEIS staff, Early Intervention (EI) Providers who are contracted for OT and PT services, ceased going to family’s homes. Everyone should monitor the GDOE websites and updates from the Superintendent for updates on a daily basis as this situation may change at any moment.
It is imperative that we practice the recommended social distancing to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus to the maximum extent possible.
ACTIVE IFSP Cases: Based on the severity of the situation, GEIS will developed a temporary solution to support the continued progress of children and families currently on active caseloads.
The GEIS will temporarily approve allowing the use of existing IFSP development or comparable/consultation services conducted via phone-based calls/videos or internet video conferencing with families and submit contact logs as documentation to support the IFSP.
The frequency/duration would not necessarily match the direct service authorization but is designed to provide time to support the family until regular direct service provision can resume. This consultation call is to be used solely for reviewing the strategies previously provided to the family to use with their child during daily routines and the progress or barriers associated with the strategies.
The time anticipated for this Consultation could be between 15 to 30 minutes per week, but each child and family is unique which could result in less or additional time.
For contracted services such as OT and PT, billing for time spent speaking with a parent or the primary service provider for the family, via the telephone is allowed. This exception for allowing the submission of claims for IFSP consultation time utilized for parent and or IFSP team consultation, is due to the current pandemic COVID-19 on Guam, until the crisis is over and normal services convene.
The Service Coordinators in GEIS is responsible for keeping track of all children receiving OT and PT services, and with their IFSP team, should be able to determine the amount of time the consultation services from the OT and PT is provided. (With the exception of IFSP Meetings). The Service Coordinator for each individual family will continue to make monthly contact via telephone.
NEW REFERRALS: When referrals are received by GEIS, the Intake meeting will be handled similarly as above. GEIS will support the referral and Intake process through telephone and mail as applicable.
Necessary paperwork will be mailed to the family with a stamped, self-addressed envelope for return with instructions to review the forms upon receipt.
The Service Coordinator, during a call with the family, will go through the documents individually and answer any questions the parents might have. We understand this will lengthen the period of time to work with the family, but we need to insure families are well informed. The OSEP Guidance released allows states to utilize whatever time is needed without risk of non-compliance with federal regulations during this pandemic.
Initial Evaluations/Assessments cannot be completed at this time. This means the case must be put on hold. The 45-day policy will be waived in this scenario as a family exceptional circumstance. In the meantime, contacts/attempts to contact parents, must be made and documented.
Assistive Technology requests will also be affected by an inability to provide direct in-person services. GEIS will review these issues on a case-by-case basis, while working to support the provision of any needed Assistive Technology as quickly as possible.
TRANSITION: Transition activities and timelines could be affected. If possible, use of phone conferencing for those is an option.
GEIS has no approved method of tele therapy in place and will not approve any virtual (screen time) service delivery, since we do not have an approved platform and practice or contact at this time.
This COVID-19 EXCEPTION POLICY will be in place until the Governor of Guam changes the status of the island’s Government of Guam shut down and until the Superintendent’s directive to resume services is announced. As the information continues to evolve daily, GDOE, SpEd/GEIS will continue to evaluate the most current recommendations for addressing COVID-19 and make any necessary extensions as needed.
We appreciate all the efforts put forth to protect our families and protecting ourselves during this unprecedented time.
Resources on COVID-19:
Office: 300-5775/5816
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