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Frequently Asked Questions

Education

Are there any resources for affordable computers and internet access?

EveryoneOn's Connect2Compete (C2C)program offers affordable computers to low-income populations. Your local internet provider may offer low-cost internet services as well. You can visit:

https://www.everyoneon.org/ for more information

Broadband Now has a guide that covers low-cost or free internet service options for households with low-income or fixed-incomes. You can visit:

https://broadbandnow.com/guides/low-income-internet for more information

How can I get the child in my care free software for school?

Microsoft offers eligible students Office 365 Education for free. To see if you child qualifies, you can enter his school email address at this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

Where can I get more information about educating children in foster care?

The Arizona Department of Education has information and resources for children in care. You can find more informaion here: https://www.azed.gov/fostercare/resources

Are there programs to help children in foster care prepare for college?

Arizona State University offers foster youth the opportunity to enroll in its First Star Academy. The goal of the program is to provide training and support to foster youth enrolled at ASU. You can learn more about the program here: https://eoss.asu.edu/access/first-star-academy/about-us.

You can check with your child's school to see if they have programs designed to help students prepare for college. You can request your DCS specialist refer your child in care to FosterEd for college preparation support. DCS also has two education specialists who can assist with college preparation.

Who can request early intervention services for the child in my care?

If you have a child in care under three-years-old, the DCS specialist will refer them to the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). AzEIP is a statewide system of services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. You can find more informaion here. https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-infant

Older children and youth can receive special education and other services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You can contact your child's school district to request an assessment.

Where can I learn more about stages of child development?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on developmental milestones for children and information on basic health, positive parenting skills, and safety issues. You can visit there website here: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

How can I figure out if sexual behaviors are typical or problematic for my child's age?

You can click here for a list of sexual behaviors based on a child's age: https://azfamilyresources.org/pdf/TypicalandProblematicSexualBehaviorsinChildren.pdf

Are there any guidelines for children and digital media use (computers, smart phones, etc.)?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has created guidelines and a toolkit for children using digital media. You can find the toolkit here: https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Pages/Media-and-Children.aspx

Can the child in my care be photographed or videotaped for the yearbook, school videos, and other school venues?

Children in care can be photographed for school yearbooks, videos, etc. However, children should not be identified as a foster child in any publication.

Can I sign the paperwork to enroll the child in my care in extracurricular activities and/or attend field trips?

Yes. The Notice to Provider allows you to sign permission slips from school and register the child in sports and other extracurricular activities.

What should I do if the child in my care is suspended or expelled from school?

If your child in care receives a suspension or an expulsion, please complete an Unusual Incident Report form.

If a pattern of behavior emerges or the behavior prohibits the student's ability to receive an education, then an IEP or a 504 Plan may be necessary. If a child already has an IEP, the behavior plan should be reviewed or revised.

How can I stay informed about my child's academic progress?

Most schools offer parents an online portal where they can monitor their child's progress. You can contact your child's school for information on how to access the portal. As a foster caregiver, you are entitled to have access to this system.

What is expected of me as a foster parent in the area of education?

When a child is placed in your home, you will have a Best Interest Determination (BID) meeting with your case specialist to discuss school enrollment options and transportation to and from school. The BID will consider the wishes of the parent, caregiver, and child; the school’s distance from where the child is placed; the child’s age, personal connections, social, and emotional state; academic, developmental, language, and socialization needs; and the effect a school change will have on the child's learning, academic strength, and grade placement.

Caregivers are expected to communicate with the child's teacher, other education personnel and the child’s case specialist on a regular basis in order to monitor the child’s progress.

Where can I get basic information about the special education process?

You can find basic informaion about special education on the Arizona Department of Education's website: https://www.azed.gov/specialeducation

Is daycare available for the child in my care?

Children in DCS care may have their child care fees covered depending on the child care provider that you choose. Child care providers will receive payment up to the maximum reimbursement rate negotiated by the Department of Economic Security. There is no copayment for child care services. However, there may be additional charges that caregivers are responsible to pay if the provider’s rate exceeds the maximum reimbursement rate.

Children in foster care who are between 3 and 5 years old are also eligible for Head Start.

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Arizona Department of Child Safety