Connecting in the Midst of Coronavirus, Part 1: Considerations

For those of us music educators and music therapists who work at day programs, after-school programs, other nonprofits, private studios, or private practices, the process of rolling out virtual services isn't necessarily clear or defined. Even in many K-12 schools and colleges, teachers and administrators are struggling to determine policies for online learning. What do we do, in these unprecedented times?

Part 1 of this series discusses considerations when planning for virtual services. 

 What are the POSSIBILITIES & NEEDS?

Interest
1) Are student-clients (and their families/caregivers) interested in virtual services?
2) Would they benefit from continuity, social stimulation, and opportunities for growth? Or would they benefit from a break?
3) Are they experiencing financial insecurity? (if they are private pay)

Access
1) What kind of technology do student-clients have?

• Phone (landline, flip-phone, or the equivalent)
• iPhone/Smartphone
• iPad/Tablet
• Laptop/Computer*
• None of the above

2) Do they need to share this technology with other family members or residents in a group home?
3) Do they have limited minutes/texts/data?
4) Do they have access to the Internet?
5) What days and times are they available?
*6) Do they have a webcam and microphone?

Independence
1) Do student-clients need assistance with technology?
2) If so, are family members or caregivers available and willing to help them?
3) What apps are student-clients (or their families/caregivers) comfortable using?

What is my PURPOSE?

Technological Requirements
1) What technology do I have? (refer above)
2) Do I want to provide real-time services, pre-recorded services, or a combination of both?
3) Do I want to provide virtual services in a 1:1 setting, a group setting, or a combination of both?
4) Do I want student-clients to be able to engage in back and forth interactions with each other over video, audio, photo, text, or a combination of the above? 
5) What types of classes or interventions would work well virtually?

Security
1) Do I want virtual services to be public, restricted to certain participants, or a combination of both?
2) Do I need to use a HIPAA-compliant app/platform?
3) What information do I need to include on a consent form?

What are my BOUNDARIES?

Commitment
1) How much time and energy do I have for virtual services?
2) How much time and energy do my student-clients have for virtual services?

Communication
​1) How can student-clients contact me?
​2) When can student-clients contact me?