Finally had 504 related mtg at dd's school--problems

[JustMe]

Well, after many,many months I was finally able to have a meeting at dd's school. It happened in a different way than anticipated. I had been working with a local advocacy/mediation group, but my case manager has been very ill and out for a while...so her cases (including mine) were assigned to her co-worker, who was already overburdened...anyway, the point being is that I approached the principal (who is brand new this year) myself about having a meeting. She actually jumped on it quickly (very good news, b/c the old principal would have just told me to talk to the teachers again), and arranged a mtg. Luckily, the "substitute" case manager was able to attend.

Well, school staff was very willing to discuss accommodations and have an exchange about dd's needs (different than most past experiences), and they also read the letter written by dd's therapist stating her diagnosis and needs...BUT, they tried to get out of doing a 504. I really want the 504 b/c I have had teachers agree to accommodations in the past, but then they have just removed them without even informing me. The school then tried to ask to have a dr fill out a form, but I asked why the letter from her therapist wasnt good enough. I pushed hard and said I knew dd qualified and she needed it. The case manager backed me up. The counselor then backtracked and said she was not saying dd shouldnt have a 504, but maybe it wasnt the most appropriate thing for her...maybe she needed an IEP or a behavior plan. I know she doesnt qualify for an IEP, and a behavior plan is not the answer and said so. Then, the principal told me that she did not know if the diagnosis stated by the therapist was a qualifying dx. Well, I know it is, as did several other people around the table. The principal said she would need to talk to her contact person around 504s to see if she could legally use that diagnosis,and would get back to me by Tues...well, I know she can legally do it, and really should do it...so if that is all she really does it will all be fine, but I cant help wondering if she is just stalling.

I am not sure there is any advice to be given, but if there is any I will take it!

[kozachka]

I have no experience with these matters, but my first reactions is that maybe the principal being new, and possibly not very experienced with 504s, just wants to run your request by an expert before committing to it. If I were you, I'd just wait till Tuesday. You've waited long enough, a few more days are not going to make or break it for your DD. I would take the fact that the principal agreed to a meeting promptly as a positive sign, and try not to worry. I know, easier said than done.

[MamaMolly]

I don't think the principal is stalling, I think s/he realizes that a 504 plan is binding and is going to check it out before s/he puts resources behind it (time, money, staff). Honestly I don't think it is a bad thing at all.

I think that because tried to get out of doing the 504 all together, you might feel like this is their last effort to stonewall you. Stick to your guns, keep a pleasant line of communication open and don't back down.

You handled yourself really well! Way to advocate for your child, Mama! :yay:

[egoldber]

At our 504 meeting, the social worker did something similar. She said something like "well, the teacher is already accommodating, does she really need a plan?" Fortunately, the school psychologist was quick to back us up.

In our case, none of her accommodations cost any money and we had no curriculum modifications. So I think it was an easy thing for them to accept. I don't know what accommodations you are asking for, but I think anything that costs money may cause schools to balk these days.

[brittone2]

Just wanted to offer you a :hug: and say you did a great job of advocating for DD :cheerleader1:

[Gena]

I don't have any expereince with 504 Plans (just IEPs), but the Wrightslaw website has information you might find helpful:

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.index.htm

It sounds like you are doing a great job knowing your child's rights and your rights. Keep up the good work!

[snowbunnies300]

I second looking into Wrights Law. On advise here I purchased the book. I then sent it to a friend in CA how is having problems getting a 504 for her daughter. She is also looking into getting an advocate. The book has lots of information and how to suggestions and examples. I liked how they walked you through each step in the process and what letters/documentation you need.

[JustMe]

Thank you everyone! I am definitely not going to do anything before Tuesday. The accommodations I am asking for do not cost any money and, as I said, are things they were willing to make them. She has 2 teachers this year (dual immersion program), one of whom is amazing and if she could be dd;s only teacher for the rest of her career at this school, I would not be worried (obviously that's not the case). I certainly hope the prinicipal just wants to make sure she is following proper procedure, but I cant help feeling that they once again think I am asking for too much and dd's issues are not as severe as I think they are. Its one thing to have to walk around knowing this judgement is being made of me, but even harder to know that it gets in the way of them meeting dd's needs.

Thanks so much for the encouragement and support. This is harder than I would think. (not only this last meeting, but the whole dealing with the school around dd's issues thing).