Can an IEP meeting result in a 504? *UPDATE in #8

[pastrygirl]

First, a BP moment. I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER KID WITH AN IEP!!!!!!!! UGH!!! I can't believe this is happening.

A couple of months ago, I received surprising news that my kindergartner might need OT for handwriting. It then snowballed into a more thorough evaluation, with suspected sensory issues (teacher's impression). He's become extremely active lately, bouncing like Tigger. However. My 9yo is a sensory kid and 5yo is SO TAME and so different in comparison. It's like he's "normal" active, if that makes sense. My 9yo was always falling, leaning, getting upside-down, etc., which is how I view typical sensory issues. The only specialist in attendence will be the OT; I imagine if there were deeper suspected issues (ADHD), I'd have the full troop like I did with my older son (psych, sped, etc.)?

My question is: can an IEP meeting result in a 504? Would a 504 provide OT? Or if he needs OT, does he get an IEP? I was reading that he needs to demonstrate or be diagnosed with at least one of a certain list of disabilities to qualify for an IEP. What if they determine that he needs a part-time para to help him stay on task? I do wonder if he'd do better in a smaller class, but I don't think they're splitting it up for next year. Two 10-kid classes might be too small, even for our tiny school. I'm not going to push for anything, because I honestly don't know what he needs, if he needs anything.

More below, if you want to read. I was trying to keep this post short! I just want to be a little more prepared before the meeting next week.

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My 5yo is one of 14 boys in his class, along with 6 girls. I've talked to a few other of the boy parents, and they're all getting notes home about behavior, too. My son doesn't sit still, doesn't focus on his work, etc. He also doesn't sit right on the bus without a bunch of reminders. I've been able to take care of that part with the removal of Minecraft as punishment... but that's just a short ride compared to all day.

I am not pursuing any diagnoses outside of school at this point. He is obedient. He does what he's told here at home, and does it quickly. He gets dressed and brushes his teeth on his own in the morning, usually without prompting. But yes, if we sit to play a board game, he'll bounce all over, bang the table with his feet or hands, roll his chair around, and be disruptive. My 9yo and I are doing yoga together with a video, and I can't have my 5yo around because he's too disruptive to us. Maybe I'm comparing him too much to my 9yo, who very clearly had issues since toddlerhood? My 5yo seems so neurotypical to me.

[PZMommy]

Speaking as a teacher, when you have that many boys in a kinder class, they all act crazy. I had 16 boys (8 girls) in my kinder class this year, and it was non stop all day every day.

For OT it typically would require an IEP. However the OT at my school has sometimes taken a student or two in a small group (with parent permission) when the student just needed some extra fine motor skill practice, and not to the point of qualifying for services. I'd see if that could be an option.

I've never had a para for a student that needed to stay on task, or half my class would need one. That is just part of being 5 and in kindergarten. The only students I've ever had with a para are students diagnosed with autism.

I think the biggest problem is you have a teacher who doesn't know how to handle a bunch of 5 year old boys.

[mmsmom]

I don't know the answer to your question but my DS received OT for handwriting with a 504. I know several students receiving various services with 504s.

[vludmilla]

I'm sorry that you are having such a difficult time! But, to answer your question, yes, you can have a meeting that starts out for an IEP become a 504 meeting. Technically, it will be considered two different meetings but they could happen seamlessly. Also, I think OT service should be available through a 504 as an accommodation. An IEP is needed when specialized, individualized education is necessary.

[egoldber]

Yes, an eligibility meeting can be to determine if an IEP or a 504 is necessary.

As to whether he can get OT with a 504, it will really depend on your state/district, and in no small part how flexible your school is. And how heavy your school OT's case load is. Here, you wouldn't get services without an IEP. A 504 is accommodations only. With a 504, the OT may provide examples of tools and techniques that can be used, but a child wouldn't typically get pulled to work with the OT unless they have an IEP.

If they think he needs OT services, I'm not sure why you wouldn't want an IEP? That would be the only way to ensure that they would be legally required to provide services.

I feel your pain though. Both of my kids now have IEPs. In both cases, it was the school who pushed for them, but they did it so that they could provide the services they thought they needed to be successful.

[pastrygirl]

If they think he needs OT services, I'm not sure why you wouldn't want an IEP? That would be the only way to ensure that they would be legally required to provide services.

I didn't mean that I truly don't want an IEP. It was more a foot-stomping that I don't want to have to deal with the IEP process again, for two kids... especially when the first one has been and continues to be so much more involved, complicated, and stressful. My 5yo was my uncomplicated/easy one! Now... we might have more meetings, more reports, more forms and questionnaires to fill out. Yuck.

[egoldber]

Sorry, I get it. Yes, all the meetings and the paperwork are a pain. Although I think it's about the same work for a 504 as an IEP, so might as well go all in.

[pastrygirl]

Update: No IEP or 504, but it definitely looks like sensory and/or ADHD (you know, the "consistent with" wording...). It helped open my eyes and realize that my younger son needs some direct help. We're always focused on my older son, so all suggestions ("quiet mouth, quiet body") are directed only at him. I need to start doing all of that with my 5yo, too. Comparatively, he's "quiet" and obedient, but he's really a bee in a bonnet!

They are going to write something up for the 1st grade teacher, and our school is small enough that they can make accomodations without anything in writing. He'll be allowed to do some work standing, etc. I'm really going to focus on his sensory needs this summer; I think he will respond very well to that.

ETA: I'm OK with the suggestion of ADHD, and will bring it up with his ped at his well-visit this summer. There is a chance he's just young (will turn 6 a few days after school starts in August). As with my older son, I want to explore the sensory stuff first.