Type 1 Diabetes and 504 plan

[hulagirl87]

DD has had type 1 diabetes for 6 years. This past year and a half she has been remote learning. In the fall we are hoping to be back into school full time. We have not had a 504 plan yet but had been planning on having one for this transition from grade school to the middle school. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start. Is this something that we come up with on our own, or with our doctor's help? I know then that we have to meet with the school regarding it. I know there is a lot of information online and I have started reading it, but am actually looking for personal experiences and any tips that a website might not tell me. Thank you so much!

 

[neverlandsky]

Nurses do rotate in and out of schools. Way less hiccups and headaches in middle school and high school compared to elementary because the child adovates for their own care and takes care of themselves for the most part. Endocrinologist encourged this as well. What worked best was having an insulin pump AND child not being the only type 1 in school. A blood kit and EPI pen was stored in the nurse's office per usual. Blood test before lunch in the nurse's office, after lunch in the nurse's office, and whenever child felt the need to check their blood, they would go down to the nurse's office to do so per usual. Their teachers were well aware of their condition. Most middle school teachers will ask of any conditions that they need to be aware of. This was 18+years ago and technology/awareness has come along way. Once type 1 child became an adult they got a type 1 tattoo.

 

[sparkle78]

I work in a small school. So a little familiar with 504s and have several friends working in 4 local school districts
yes, talk to your doctor. Devise a plan. Talk to the school district. *** but remember you have rights as a parent and do NOT need to sign anything you are uncomfortable with or don’t agree with. This goes fro IEPS too, they are a legal document. So know your rights. Don’t just take the teacher or nurse’s plan. Pick a plan that works best for your child . Good Luck.
some school districts have parent mentors who help you prepare for the meetings. Look into that too.

 

[stsomewhere]

My daughter had a 504 for her medical issues. We asked for bathroom breaks as needed, able to carry food and water with her at all times, she could rest in office as needed. Extra time for tests and homework, no busy work, she did not have to have a doctor note for every absence- we could just call school and say it was 504 plan. She felt worse in the morning. So all of her core classes were scheduled later in the day. The first two hours were online. 3rd hour was an elective.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I would start with your school district's nurse. In the district where I work, accommodations for medical conditions are usually covered under a "Care Plan" rather than a 504. The Care Plan is developed by the nurse with input from the parents and the child's doctor. The nurse will ask for specific information from the doctor in developing the plan and training the staff to support the child's medical needs during the school day. I think it's best to start with the nurse so you have an idea of how the process works and exactly what the doctor will need to provide.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I work in special ed, so deal with 504 plans. Start by thinking about what your child needs from the school to be able to access it, with less of a barrier from the diabetes. Is it additional time for tests in case of blood sugar needs? Frequent bathroom visits? Are there policies against carrying food that they need an accommodation for?

Each school will have a different 504 coordinator. In my district, it is guidance counselors but it isn't always the same. If you reach out to the school they will connect you with the right person. Have your thoughts ready when you first meet about it. They may have ideas too. 504s are legal documents but they are also working documents. Changes can be made at any time, they're required to be reviewed at least annually, and parent input is critical.

 

[brockash]

DD has had type 1 diabetes for 6 years. This past year and a half she has been remote learning. In the fall we are hoping to be back into school full time. We have not had a 504 plan yet but had been planning on having one for this transition from grade school to the middle school. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start. Is this something that we come up with on our own, or with our doctor's help? I know then that we have to meet with the school regarding it. I know there is a lot of information online and I have started reading it, but am actually looking for personal experiences and any tips that a website might not tell me. Thank you so much!

The only thing the Dr. can do is provide you with the documentation stating her diagnosis and perhaps give you ideas on what you think may best meet your students needs, but that's it. 504s are not created by or directed/determine eligibility by a Dr. - We have lots of Dr.s who serm confused about this in our area, which can often times make for awkward conversations with parents.

You'll need to get in touch with the 504 coordinator at her school - most likely it's the school counselor. They'll be able to walk you through the process - They'll have documentation for you to complete and then they will set up a meeting with you, and the school to determine your childs eligibility and possible service plan due to her medical impairment.

- Does her diagnosis negatively impact her abilities in the classroom? - What accommodations are you looking for or what are your concerns. If you have none; it may be best just to make sure she has an IHP (Individual Health Plan) on file; which the school nurse generally handles.

I'm a school counselor and the 504 coordinator at our school, so feel free to reach out with any specific questions.

 

[Southernmiss]

I work in special ed, so deal with 504 plans. Start by thinking about what your child needs from the school to be able to access it, with less of a barrier from the diabetes. Is it additional time for tests in case of blood sugar needs? Frequent bathroom visits? Are there policies against carrying food that they need an accommodation for?

Each school will have a different 504 coordinator. In my district, it is guidance counselors but it isn't always the same. If you reach out to the school they will connect you with the right person. Have your thoughts ready when you first meet about it. They may have ideas too. 504s are legal documents but they are also working documents. Changes can be made at any time, they're required to be reviewed at least annually, and parent input is critical.

This is all good info. Our daughter had a 504 in place for her senior year of high school.

I had several meetings with the 'team' about 8 school officials. They had to rule out that she did not need special education services with a battery of tests before we could proceed with just the 504 plan.

It was in place, but she never needed it. It was good for peace of mind and I renewed it in case she had a need for it in college, but Covid put many of her classes online anyway.

 

[Southernmiss]

The only thing the Dr. can do is provide you with the documentation stating her diagnosis and perhaps give you ideas on what you think may best meet your students needs, but that's it. 504s are not created by or directed/determine eligibility by a Dr. - We have lots of Dr.s who serm confused about this in our area, which can often times make for awkward conversations with parents.

You'll need to get in touch with the 504 coordinator at her school - most likely it's the school counselor. They'll be able to walk you through the process - They'll have documentation for you to complete and then they will set up a meeting with you, and the school to determine your childs eligibility and possible service plan due to her medical impairment.

- Does her diagnosis negatively impact her abilities in the classroom? - What accommodations are you looking for or what are your concerns. If you have none; it may be best just to make sure she has an IHP (Individual Health Plan) on file; which the school nurse generally handles.

I'm a school counselor and the 504 coordinator at our school, so feel free to reach out with any specific questions.

Also good info.

At one of our team meet, a suggestion was made for dd that the group seemed to be going with until dd's guidance counselor said 'Well, if it was my child, I would do y.'

I was so appreciative that she,with the knowledge of school ins and outs and as a mom of a student at the school, spoke up.