ECSE 421 Week 1

This week was our first week in ECSE 421. We talked about HIPAA and FERPA. What I currently know about HIPAA is that it it keeps medical records protected and private. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This act was put into place in 1996. It allows patients to amend and apend their health records while have access to them. The records must be kept behind 2 locks and only shared on a need to know basis. FERPA is similar in that it protects records that are personal. The Family educational Rights and Privacy Act was put into place in 1974 and protects educational records. These records also must be kept behind 2 locks and strict records are kept of who accesses them and why. Students have the right to inspect, amentd and apend these documents. When the student is 18 or in college the parents no longer have rights unless the student signs written notice. Both of these acts are very important in protecting privacy of individuals and families.

During this semester I want to learn how to make families feel comfortable working with schools and school districts to help their child. I want to learn how to assist families in learning about their child's disability and how they can advocate and care for their child. I am excited for this class because it will provide for information vital to working in Early Intervention. I don't have any questions about this course yet but I am ready to discuss and learn all I can to help families and children.

"There is nothing attractive about the space between your pants and your shirt line." -Sister Swenson. This was in regards to professionalism and being aware of our surroundings and our dress. We need to know we will be working on the ground with children and parents need to be comfortable as well as look at us as professionals.