Insight on Having My Child by Evaluated for Section 504 in School

Just a response to your comment..."I thought I was being helpful by letting his teacher know that he's on ADHD meds but now I feel it's come back to bite me."

Your revelation was probably not new knowledge for the teacher. You probably just confirmed what he/she already suspected. And teacher's don't usually work under the "gotcha" methodology. Meaning, I doubt that he/she tried to use the knowledge of your child being ADHD to their benefit (or to "bite" you because of it).

I say...listen to the modifications that your child would receive under the 504 and make your decision from there.

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My daughter was founded with this problem when she was in the 2nd grade and failed. They first thought that she was needing special ed classes but she passed that. Then, thats when tested her with Dyslexia, when they see letters backwards, and have lots of problems reading and of course, that was the class that failed her. So then, I received those same papers and she was tested and is now considered A Section 504 Student, which actually isn't bad at all. They get more help in every way and every test and paperwork they get is specially read to her. Just always reassure them that they are not dumb in any way, they are special to us,,,,ALWAYS!!!!

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Not sure what school district you are in but this usually applies to most of them. I am a Mom of a 15 yr old who went through the same thing. If I had it to do all over again, I would not have signed my daughter up for AARD. It seems to have become a crutch for everyone, including her at times I think, now that she is old enough to understand. I DEFINITELY think that Kindergarten is Way too soon to be diagnosing your child for extra help in school. It can be a benefit to those who "really" need it but if I were you, I'd seek medical, professional help and hold off on the school diagnosis. I have been told that schools are always looking out for their ratings and the easier, quicker way to get a child passed to the next level is best for those good ratings. Keep that in mind. I feel that my daughter might have benefited more in her earlier years with just a bit more help and maybe holding her back before she got too tall as she is now.

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I think you need to remember that you child's teacher is a professional in her field. You should trust her judgement and recommendations. It won't hurt your child for the school to determine 504 eligibility. 504 is under the special education umbrella and includes many disabilities. I feel certain the paperwork she sent for you to read is federally mandated. Keep in mind it covers a range of disabilities from individuals with asthma to severe developmental delays. Trust your teacher and the school's diagnostician. Remember, you have the final say in your child's education. The school can make recommendations, but you have the final say.

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Hi D.-

My son has Aspergers, a mild form of autism. He is in kindergarten this year and has done very well. We have had a 504 plan in place since the beginning of the year. I understand your concern and disappointment, but 504's are really simple and they are only there to help your son, not label him. This is an opportunity to sit down with the teacher and principal/counselor, etc and really talk about what your son needs in order to succeed in school. With the 504, things that work for your son in school will be noted and can be used by his next teacher. You don't have to worry about a new teacher having to start over with your son or rediscover the methods that work.

Honestly, I commend your son's teacher for bringing it to your attention and being proactive in getting this started for your son at such a young age.

As with anything, the 504 is only going to be as successful as you and the school make it. Before going to the meeting make your own list of your son's difficulties and think of things you would like to see the teacher's do to help in these areas. Once you've all agreed on the steps that will be taken, follow up regularly with his teachers to make sure they are still following the plan.

Good Luck!
K.

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Being section 504 isn't a bad thing. It is not going to keep him from college or anything. All it does is get him some extra help along the way that can actually improve his chances of succeding allong the way(like extra tutoring, extra time on tests, special advantages in learning settings, etc). It doesn't mean "special ed" in the since that you probably are thinking of from when we were kids. But he can always wait until later to be evaluated if it looks necessary.

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This may be slightly different, but the same basic concept.

My best friend for over 10 years (since college) struggled terribly when we were in school. She always had...she ultimately flunked out of the university. She has since learned of her learning disabilities (not special ed severity, but requires a little more care) and is back in school now almost ready to graduate with a Bachelor's and a 3.8 GPA! The knowledge of her learning differences and having the documentation to share with her professors has made ALL the difference!

You are doing the right thing by learning all you can about this though.

M.
www.Freedom2WorkFromHome.com/M.

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