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Student Support and Special Education Services

Where do I start if I have a concern about my child?

If you have concerns about your child's learning, attention, behavior, communication, or social-emotional development, your first step is to contact your child's teacher or school counselor. Together, you can discuss your concerns and determine whether classroom supports, a Student Success Team (SST) meeting, a Section 504 evaluation, or a special education evaluation may be appropriate.

General Education Program Supports for Students

Student Success Team (SST) 

A parent, caregiver or teacher can request an SST if they have an academic, behavioral or social-emotional learning concern about a student. A school team consisting of the Principal/Assistant Principal, classroom teacher, school counselor, other relevant staff and parents/caregiver convene a meeting to discuss the specific concerns, student strengths and challenges and review student progress and data to determine needed supports and next steps. The school team monitors the implementation of the interventions/supports over a 4-6 week period and reconvene as a team to review progress and determine any other steps that may be needed.

If you have a concern about your child’s academic, behavioral or social-emotional learning needs, please contact your child’s teacher or the school counselor to request an SST meeting.

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a Federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. In elementary and secondary education, it provides access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability. Section 504 guarantees that people with disabilities may not be discriminated against because of their disability. While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects children in the area of education, Section 504 protects those with disabilities for life and encompasses the right to vote, accessibility, and employment, in addition to education.

Please consult this resource for more information about Section 504 Plans: Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Schools

If you think your child needs a Section 504 plan, speak to your child’s teacher, the school counselor or the Principal at your child’s school, to request a meeting to discuss an evaluation for eligibility.

What is the difference between a Section 504 Plan and an IEP Plan?

What each does:

  • A 504 plan is a blueprint or plan for how the school will provide support and remove barriers for a student with a disability.
  • An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a blueprint or plan for a child’s special education experience at school.

What law applies:

  • 504 - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: This is a Federal civil rights law to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities by education institutions that receive Federal education dollars.
  • IEP - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): This is a Federal law that provides specific Federal funding for the provision of special education and related services for qualifying children with disabilities.

Who is eligible:

To become eligible for a Section 504 plan, there are two requirements:

  • A child has a qualifying disability. Section 504 defines “disability” as a physical or mental impairment that causes a substantial limitation on learning or a major life activity.
  • The student requires Section 504 services in order for the student’s individual educational needs to be met as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities (aka for the student to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).  

To become eligible for an IEP, there are two requirements:

  • A child has one or more of the 13 disabilities listed in IDEA. The law lists specific disability categories such as emotional disability, intellectual disability, autism, and speech or language impairment. The child must need specialized instruction and/or related services to access the school program.
  • Section 504 has a broader definition of a disability than IDEA and as a result, a child who doesn’t qualify for an IEP might still be eligible for a Section 504 plan.