Included in the U.S. Department of Education regulations is the
requirement that disabled students be provided with Free Appropriate
Public Education (FAPE). These regulations require identification,
evaluation, provision of appropriate services and procedural
safeguards. The process is as follows:
Referral Process
Concern is raised that a student with a disability may need special
accommodations in order to have equal access to the general education
curriculum. This referral for initial evaluation may be initiated by a
teacher, counselor, parent, administrator, school nurse, building team
or community resource. Notification of Procedural Safeguards is
provided to the parents or guardian. Notice must be given to parents
when the District acts or refuses to act with respect to
identification, evaluation or placement. Parental consent is not
required unless the evaluation includes intelligence or personality
testing.
Evaluation Process
1. The 504 building representative convenes a group knowledgeable about
the student's condition, functioning in the school environment, and the
options for accommodations in the building.
2. If the student had been found ineligible for, or no longer meets
criteria for IDEA identification and there are concerns that the
student may be 504 eligible, the special education team may choose to
refer the case to the building 504 Coordinator. An eligibility meeting
may then be convened to include a group that is knowledgeable about the
student.
3. If the student has been found eligible for IDEA, there is no need to consider 504 eligibility.
Eligibility Process
The 504 eligibility will be determined by a team and recorded on the
504 Eligibility Determination form. If the student is found to require
reasonable accommodations, a 504 Accommodations Plan is completed by a
team knowledgeable about the student, the evaluation data, and the
range of options for accommodations. A case manager will be designated
at this time. Copies of the plan and eligibility documentation will go
to the school 504 Coordinator and parents/guardians. The student's
teacher(s) will receive copies of the 504 Accommodation Plan. The
Student Accommodation Plan will be reviewed at least annually. Parent
notice of review, for renewal (or dismissal), of 504 eligibility will
be provided. If you have any questions, or feel your child may qualify
for a 504 plan, please contact the building counselor.