Starting the year with a 504 plan... do you contact the teacher?

[SaraV]

We're in our first year with a 504 for DS (3rd grade, sensory and visual-motor issues).

I know we're supposed to have an official meeting with the 504 team later in the fall, but I'm wondering whether its a good idea to try to touch base with the teacher sooner to discuss what's going on, what she's doing, DS's current issues, etc.

I'm pretty sure she already read the 504 plan before school started, because she had the preferred seating for him exactly right when they showed up the first day - but I haven't heard anythign from her about anythign else.

What have you guys done?

[trek]

I do not have a 504 for either of my boys, but I for IEP both boys have a case manager who usually handles things.

[jeninnc]

yep.

I've always been one to go to the teacher before school starts and discuss any issues that we have. It's always been successful. Plus I tend to pop in school at least once a week for a quick chat about anything we need to modify.

My older dd has a 504 and younger has an IEP. Lacey's teacher has a class full of kids with special needs this year and I didn't want her 504 issues to get lost in the shuffle of kids with more needs.

[justour2boys]

Interesting, this issues is also on PSA...

This issue was also in a post on the Parenting School Age Kids so I did post a response there but I will here too.

My DS had a 504 plan put in place last school year. When this school year rolled around I assumed it would just fall into place. Well, you know the old saying about assume!!!

On day 8 of the school year I emailed the Prin and & teacher to ask specifically about 2 accomidations... textbooks at home and a FM field unit. I then followed up with a meeting with the teacher and a brief meeting with the Prin. Apparently the teacher had just read the "complete" plan the day prior.

Well... we are now at day 12 and those 2 accomidations are still outstanding!!

So come Monday we (my DH and I) are going to play good cop (me) and bad cop (DH) and he is going to have a very pointed conversation with the Prin and then the District.

So the long answers is.. don't assume and second, put everything in writing. ASAP write a letter to the teacher detailing your expecations of the plan's accomidations being implemented the next school day and a copy of the 504 plan.

Together we can fight the good fight!!

-Robin
DS 1 -APD
DS 2 - thinking ADHD

[Val.]

Yes, I do always tell them and ask them to read over it and contact me if there are any questions.