Virtual Students Temporary Engagement Program (VSTEP)

The Virtual Studies Temporary Engagement Program (VSTEP) is a temporary instructional support program for Clayton County Public Schools students in grades K-12 who are experiencing qualifying life events that temporarily prevent them from participating in their regular school setting.

VSTEP allows students to remain engaged academically and continue receiving instructional support during the approved referral period. The program is tuition-free for eligible CCPS students and is designed as temporary virtual support, rather than a permanent virtual school placement.

Students may be referred to VSTEP because of qualifying circumstances such as:

• A temporary life event requiring virtual instructional support

• Quarantine

• Isolation

• Other qualifying circumstances reviewed and approved through the student's zoned school and the VSTEP referral process

VSTEP enrollment is completed through a school-based referral process. Parents or guardians who believe their child may need temporary VSTEP services should contact their child's zoned school.

The School Social Worker, works with the school's Attendance Lead to determine whether a VSTEP referral is appropriate. Approved referrals are then submitted to the VSTEP Coordinator.

Once a student is approved for VSTEP, the VSTEP Coordinator provides the parent/guardian with enrollment information, program expectations, instructional information, and other necessary resources.

Students enrolled in VSTEP receive temporary academic support through Canvas, Zoom, telephone communication, and other CCPS instructional resources. VSTEP teachers:

• Provide academic support as needed

• Provide virtual assistance by appointment

• Assign and grade work in Canvas

• Communicate with students and parents/guardians

• Monitor student progress throughout the referral period

• Provide grades that are transferred to the student's zoned school at the conclusion of the VSTEP referral

Students are expected to remain actively engaged and complete all VSTEP assignments during their approved enrollment period.

Successful participation in VSTEP requires students to have:

• A quiet and appropriate space for learning

• Reliable access to Canvas

• A support person at home

• Regular participation in assigned academic activities

• Consistent completion and submission of VSTEP assignments

• The ability to work with an appropriate level of independence

Mr. Enrique López Sampson, Ed.S.
VSTEP Coordinator
Cell: 470-396-1274
Email: enrique.lopezsampson@clayton.k12.ga.us