Yesterday we had a meeting at my younger child’s school (7 yo, gr 1) which is called an i&rs meeting (intervention and referral services). This type of meeting is preliminary to setting up a 504 or iep as they determine what it is that will help the child. We had our first meeting of this type in December but my daughter had only recently been diagnosed and they wanted to give her time to see how she responds to treatment. So, this meeting yesterday was a follow up and to talk about what she now needs.
So, we went into the meeting and everybody reported my daughter is doing great and has made incredible academic improvements. Everybody agreed that she should have a 504 plan for next year. One reason there was not one in place up until now is that the teacher was making all of the accommodations without it and we trust her. So, we want to make sure the new teacher starts out doing what needs to be done and also to accommodate for standardized testing which starts next year. So, the social worker who was running the meeting said to me that they need to have a note from the doctor to start a 504. So, I took it out of my file folder and gave it to her. Then she said, well, we need to have a meeting to sit down and figure out what accommodations we think would work, unless you have some ideas now we can start to jot them down. So, I took out my list and handed it to her! The surprise on their faces spoke volumes! They all said how impressed they were that I did this! I just thought, “well, of course I did this. This is my child.” So they started writing the 504 plan and said they will have a rough draft for me to look over in time for spring break which starts Thursday! I’m going to have the doctor look at it as well. I know they are working on it because the social worker called me today to ask me a question!
I really want to thank everybody here who has helped to educate me and offer ideas and support these past few months. I started this quest for information knowing very little. I still have a lot to learn as all of us will continue to do so. Yet, I know A LOt more than many of those people sitting in that meeting. I can’t imagine going into a meeting like this and not be prepared and yet according to what I hear that is the exception to the rule! So, thank you everybody for your continued support and help!
Re: being well prepared for 504 school meeting
Thank you both! I am feeling a little less stressed now that the doctor’s visit for my older child is over and this meeting for the younger one! Am really looking forward to a fun relaxing camping trip over spring break! After Thursday if you don’t hear from me in awhile I’ll be out in the woods destressing!
Re: being well prepared for 504 school meeting
Just when you think things are going your way you find out they’re not! The preliminary 504 did NOT come home today. I called the school and they said that they had checked with the district 504 coordinator and have some questions about some of the accommodations on the list. So, they think we need another meeting just to clarify the things on my list. They already called me to supposedly clarify these things. So, I’m sensing that I will really need to be prepared to advocate for my child even more. Luckily, our doctor is awesome and will advocate for us as well. So, I am out of here and off to the woods to calm down a bit and think about this. They said after the break they will call me to set up the meeting. I don’t know why they didn’t call to tell me this. I shouldn’t have had to call them and ask where the 504 is!
They told me at the last meeting they weren’t sure how those things on the list fell—accommodation or modification and only acommodations could go on the 504. However, there is nothing on the list that hasn’t appeared on other 504s or modifies the curriculum. After I come back I’ll post my list and get some opinions! I’m out of here!
Re: being well prepared for 504 school meeting
It really makes you wonder, why does EVERY LITTLE THING have to be such a struggle?
You are tough and strong, Jen, and taking a walk and getting the heck out of the house was a perfect idea. Your daughters are so lucky to have you, you know. Just keep telling yourself that, and how blessed you are that you have THEM. :)
Re: being well prepared for 504 school meeting
Thanks Cathryn. We just got back a little while ago. It’s very cold windy and rainy as you may be experiencing as well. One of the zippers was broken on the tent door and the weather is not supposed to clear for days. It was absolutely beautiful Friday and Saturday. I brought all of the stuff about the 504 with me but didn’t bother to read it. It was better to just not think about it too much for a few days. I’m still not ready to look at it but will tomorrow. My head feels a lot clearer. Thanks again for the words of encouragement!
Way to go, Jen!!! :D