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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
05/12/2024 08:53 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=42060
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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: February 2, 2024 01:33 PM
From: Representative Dane Watro and Rep. Mike Cabell
To: All House members
Subject: Roman’s Law – Allowing delayed school enrollment for young children with autism or other developmental delays or intellectual disabilities
 
We intend to introduce a bill that will allow the parents or guardians of children who have reached the compulsory school age of six (6) years of age to request a waiver from the Department of Education to delay compulsory education for one (1) year if the child has been diagnosed with autism or other developmental and intellectual disabilities.

This proposal is grounded in the belief that such an adjustment could better cater to the unique and intensive educational needs of these students.  Children diagnosed with autism or other developmental delays and intellectual disabilities often require specialized attention and tailored learning approaches.  A delayed start would allow for early intervention programs, providing essential support in developing social and emotional skills.

Current law requires all children to begin compulsory education at six (6) years of age.  Our bill will provide for a limited exception by allowing a parent or guardian to request a one-year waiver from the compulsory age requirement if:
  • The child has been diagnosed by a qualified health professional with autism spectrum disorder or has been identified by the State as having developmental delays or intellectual disabilities.
  • The child has been assessed in the last 6 months by a qualified health professional and has been clinically or medically recommend for continued intensive and high structured early intervention services.
  • The parent or guardian provides proof that alternative services are being provided to the child.
Please join us in supporting this important legislation.
 


Introduced as HB2124