I am losing my mind-need 504 HELP!

[dmjrn]

I am overwhelmed. I am trying to get things going for a 504 plan for Macy in the fall, but I really don't know what to do next. I turned in a request for a 504 evaluation. The principal called me today and she was very nice and willing to do whatever we need to take care of Macy. She even asked if I thought she needed an aide. I don't really know who all needs to be at the diabetes and pump training. Also, for those of you who have kids in school, did you do the training yourself or did you have a CDE do it for you? Do you have a medical management plan in addition to the 504? I think I am losing my mind. I am very lucky to be in a good school system and the school has a full time RN but I don't know what the process is for this. I don't know when to have the first meeting and when do to the actual in depth training before school starts. Someone please point me in the right direction!!

[cindyrn6617]

Hi,
We have a 504 and here are my recommendations. First, try to meet with them before the end of school or the week before the new school year. Not after it starts, it's just too crazy. I'd recommend the nurse, principal, teachers including PE, art etc. and anyone else who is willing to step up in the event the nurse isn't available.

In our 504 here's a few things we've included...testing and snacks anytime, anywhere. Rolling book bag since school doesn't allow these, but when sugars are high or low and you have alot of books it's hard to carry those things. Glucagon training for above people. He/She is not penalized for missed class time having to go to the health room or being absent due to issues with D. We are to have the option of going on EVERY field trip with our child, they like to rotate parents, this way one of us is always with him. If we can't go, ask for nurse or one person trained and ready to step up to go with your child. We have emergency supplies everywhere including on the bus. He does give insulin in healthroom (bolus or shots when he was on them) just for safety so he's not over correcting or some kid gets hit with a dirty needle.

Ryan was on safety patrol and after an issue we had, the school nurse decided to put his picture and copies of 504 in hands of every teacher in the school so if he was on another hall and had a medical issue they would be familiar with him. I thought it was a great idea...they also have ****s, dances etc that his regular teachers may not be there for. This way a few more people can look out for him.

Good Luck with the 504. Check out the resources on CWD website, it helped us alot.:o

[selketine]

Be nice back but don't let them talk you out of a 504 plan!

I highly suggest you call the Amer. Diabetes Assoc at 1-800-DIABETES and ask them to send you their free "school discrimination" packet. It has all the info you need in there plus a sample 504 plan.

You did the right thing by requesting your child be evaluated. (make sure that was in writing). By law they MUST hold a 504 eligibility meeting if you request it - they cannot deny it. They don't have to do it before the child starts school though.

I personally think it is better to not discuss what accommodations you are seeking until they determine your child is eligible. A lot of times it seems the parent asks for the meeting and the school asks "Well...what do you want us to do?" The parent tells them what they'd like and the school says "oh...we can do all that with the health plan - you don't need a 504" etc.

The medical mgmt. plan tells them how to handle the medical side of the diabetes (how much to test, how to treat lows, how to do the insulin) - the 504 is more for the academic part - what the teacher does, how PE is handled, that breaks are allowed for water/bathroom unlimited, that tests are not given unless the child is in range, etc.

The school nurse should be able to train the rest of the staff. If you have someone who could come in for training that is great too.

If you have more ?'s feel free to pm or email. Good luck!

[Mymeagan]

I printed off the example copies of 504 plans from the ADA website and this website and read through, highlighted and changed what I wanted to see for my daughter. In those plans they refer to the medical plan, I would put both in place. The 504 binds them to everything legally. This is important especially if there are staff changes. My ped. D office is going to review the 504 and sign off on it also. Good luck, I'm having my first meeting soon too. Whole new dimension to kindergarten, huh?

[tandjjt]

You use Birmingham/Children's group, right? I believe we even use the same endo, Dr. Moreland.... ?? We get to go back down next week on Tuesday - isn't it nice to be able to put it that way "get to go" - not that it is fun but we always enjoy seeing Dr. M.

About the 504 - Call and ask to talk with the social worker that works with our group - I think her name is Carol. She handled the paperwork, flawlessly, for my FMLA at work so I can be off any time I need to with Tyler and be covered - she was also the one (I think) who talked to us in the hospital when Tyler was dx'd about the laws and such things pertaining to school. I bet she would be a really huge help and might even have something already drafted up specific to our Dr.'s preferences for such purposes.

[momandwifeoftype1s]

Be nice back but don't let them talk you out of a 504 plan!

I highly suggest you call the Amer. Diabetes Assoc at 1-800-DIABETES and ask them to send you their free "school discrimination" packet. It has all the info you need in there plus a sample 504 plan.

You did the right thing by requesting your child be evaluated. (make sure that was in writing). By law they MUST hold a 504 eligibility meeting if you request it - they cannot deny it. They don't have to do it before the child starts school though.

I personally think it is better to not discuss what accommodations you are seeking until they determine your child is eligible. A lot of times it seems the parent asks for the meeting and the school asks "Well...what do you want us to do?" The parent tells them what they'd like and the school says "oh...we can do all that with the health plan - you don't need a 504" etc.

The medical mgmt. plan tells them how to handle the medical side of the diabetes (how much to test, how to treat lows, how to do the insulin) - the 504 is more for the academic part - what the teacher does, how PE is handled, that breaks are allowed for water/bathroom unlimited, that tests are not given unless the child is in range, etc.

The school nurse should be able to train the rest of the staff. If you have someone who could come in for training that is great too.

If you have more ?'s feel free to pm or email. Good luck!

I like what you wrote and agree with you. I'd also get a copy of "Helping the Child with Diabetes Succeed - A Guide for School Personnel". It's available free online or you can send away for a free hard copy. It helps to know what is reasonable to request from the school. http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/Youth_NDEPSchoolGuide.pdf

[Mary Lou]

First, take a deep breath! You are doing a great job and once you get through this the first time, you'll see that it can be a relatively smooth and easy process.

Remember that, generally speaking, your school wants to do right by your child. They may not have the latest methods or know exactly how you want things done, but if you go in with an attitude of cooperation I think you're more likely to get what you need for your child. These people are going to play a major role in your child's health care for the next several years. They are your partners and can be a blessing in your life. I know that our nurses and schools are a Godsend to us.

We also have a 504 plan and have had one from the beginning.

Check the home page of this site for another wonderful 504 plan, they are separpated out by grade/age and they had a few things on their plan that I hadn't even thought of. Here's the link:

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/504/

No one from my school attended any of our pump or diabetes training as there are other kids in the school with D and using the same pumps. You might want to ask what kind of training/experience your nurse currently has.

At our school, I submitt the 504 plans during the month before school starts. The school schedules a meeting that each boy's teacher attends, along with the appropriate school nurse and 504 coordinator (we have one meeting for each boy).

At this meeting, in addition to the 504 plan, I have bulleted checklists for each time of day each boy needs a blood check and actions required at that time. For example: Snack Time Protocol, Recess Protocol, Lunch, Gym, dismissal, etc. You have plenty of time to figure each of these situations out and how you want them managed.

Good luck! I think that getting a 504 plan seems to be more than half the battle, and your school appears accommodating.