School Resources

Is your child ready for school? Are you?

Many parents and guardians who have children with adrenal insufficiency wonder if they should homeschool or send their children to public or private schools. We believe parents are the best judge of what their child needs to succeed and thrive.

Currently we provide resources to help you decide what your child might need in a public or private school setting. In the future we hope to add more resources for parents who choose to homeschool.

What does my child need to be safe and successful?

Any child with adrenal insufficiency should have a HEALTH PLAN. Children in K-12 public schools may also qualify for an IEP or 504.

Health Plan

A good health plan will help ensure your child receives their needed medications while at school. A school nurse, your child’s teacher(s), any assigned aides, and/or other school personnel interacting with your child regularly thoughout the should attend. With the help of AIU, Oregon was the first state to enact legislation for students with adrenal insufficiency. See their training materials.

IEP or 504?

Children with adrenal insufficiency may need specialized instruction or accommodations to be successful. As a parent or guardian it is your right to ask for an evaluation for either. When attending meetings you may invite anyone who will help you advocate for your child.

Learn about the differences between IEPs and 504s below.

What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?

In order to help make that decision with your child’s school, you need to know about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504).

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

IDEA requires schools to provide all educationally disabled students ages 3-21 with a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). To be eligible for special education under IDEA, a child must have a disability and must need special education and related services. To “need” special education, the child’s disability must affect his or her ability to perform in school so that the child needs specially designed instruction to benefit from his or her education. The school then provides an individualized education program (IEP) that is designed to meet the child’s unique needs and prepare him or her for further education, employment and independent living.

IEP: An individualized education program, including special instruction and related services, designed to meet the child’s unique needs.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504):

If a child has a disability but does not need special education services (specially designed instruction), the child is not eligible for an IEP but may be eligible for a Section 504 plan. A “504 plan” is a plan developed in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a civil rights law (not an education law) that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in programs and activities, such as public schools, that receive federal funding. A 504 plan provides a student with accommodations, modifications and support services to ensure equal access to education.

Section 504 Plan: Accommodations, modifications, support services to ensure equal access to education.

Submitted by:
Susan Coleman, AIU Special Education Consultant, based on information from:
Disabilities Rights Center
(603) 228-0432 or (800)834-1721
Fax: (603) 225-2077
advocacy@drcnh.org

This is not meant to be legal advice. For specific legal advice, please speak to an attorney.

communicate with school personnel

Tips

Schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s medical needs before school starts each year.
Update everything yearly or when there is a medication change.
Ask your child’s endocrinologist to provide a treatment plan on letterhead from the practice/clinic.
Keep written records of all conversations.
Be sure medications kept at school are current (note expiration dates).
If your child’s school is reluctant to allow staff to give stress doses or the emergency injection ask to see any relevant rules/laws/policies that would allow the school to refuse.
Still having trouble….contact us for help.

Some of our Free Downloads

We have many free downloads stored in our Media Fire folders. There are sections for parents and school personnel. If you’re looking for something you can’t find please contact us.