504 Plan .

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julierose24

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The psychologist recommended that we start a 504 plan for my daughter. Can anyone tell me what it is exactly, and how it can help?

She is in first grade -above grade level in reading, at grade level in all other subject, except for math - below grade level in math. She has trouble completing work due to lack of focus, but is capable in areas (other than math). She has shown some defiance in the classroom, but not excessively, yet.

Is this a route I need to take?
 
T

TeDo

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It would certainly be a good idea if she struggles in any way at school, academics and/or behavior. A 504 is similar to and IEP. They are documents used for special education services. The only difference between the two is that the IEP is enforceable by Federal law. What it does is specify areas she struggles in and puts into writing a plan to help her in those areas. In order to request one, you need to send a Certified Letter with Return Receipt Requested telling the school that you want her "evaluated for special education services including, but not limited to, thorough academic, psychological, Occupational Therapist (OT), Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), behavioral, and emotional assessments." By doing it this way, the request is in writing and the signed return receipt is your proof of the Federally mandated timeline they have to complete the assessments.

It can always be changed to an IEP later on if her needs in any area become greater or if the school is not following through with the plan. Hopefully they will be helpful but be prepared for the school to either 1)not find any problems or 2)not be willing to provide the supports she needs.
 

buddy

New Member
There are many nice links to explain a 504 plan. A huge difference between that and an IEP (other than that its not enforceable in terms of holding funding back etc...you can take them to court because not following the plan violates civil rights, however, because there are no rules for documentation etc...it's very hard to prove they didn't do what they should have done )...
Anyway a big difference is there is no standardized testing required to qualify. She just needs to have a legal condition that can impact her ability to access school in any way.
Some schools literally have one person who writes the plan with you and depending on the school everyone may really step up or it can just get buried and teachers barely know it's there. Still other districts have a full system with hoops to jump through ....still then, it may be followed and may not. Many fight for an IEP for that reason. You have many more protected rights and legislated procedures to handle issues. Staff licenced in your child's disability area are then assigned to work with her. So a 504 is an option but be open to maybe needing to push for an IEP. (Which is harder to qualify for of course, sigh)

What do you want to achieve with the plan? In other words, what does she need? Does she need unlimited time to do tests and a private testing room to reduce anxiety? Does she need recorded books or the ability to take a break in a specified area or room if overwhelmed? Does she need extra sets of books at home so she can't forget them? ....these are random thoughts but the idea is to think of her strengths and needs and then you (and we can help give ideas) can suggest what you want on your plan.

Some schools will say no, she doesn't need it if het grades are ok. But we all know there's more to school and by law behavior and social aspects must be considered.

So, what are your wishes for her in school? What are the struggles?
 

InsaneCdn

Well-Known Member
Ask the psychologist for recommendations on what to include, too. Professional recommendations often carry "some" weight in school (not always). Here, a parent request is ignored... but professional requests they at least attempt to do something about.
 
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