School Accommodations
 Many children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may not qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), but they could still benefit from school accommodations. A 504 Health Plan can provide the necessary support. The aim is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive in school, despite their challenges. School TeamEstablishing a school team to assist your child when they are sick and require accommodations through a 504 or Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan is a collaborative process that involves school staff, parents, and, when necessary, external specialists. • Principal • Assistant Principal • School Nurse • School Counselor • Special Education Coordinator • Teachers It is important to request that teachers and aides receive training about your child’s condition. Ensure protection against missed school days due to illness or doctor appointments. Arrange for home instruction if your child misses too much school. Example Letter for TeachersWe understand the challenges families face in ensuring proper support for children with chronic kidney disease or other complex medical needs within the school system. To help bridge the gap, we’ve created an Example Letter for Teachers. This letter is designed to: • Educate teachers about your child’s condition and unique needs. • Provide suggestions for accommodations and classroom strategies to support your child’s success. • Foster open communication between families and educators. Feel free to customize this letter to reflect your child’s specific situation. Our goal is to make advocating for your child’s educational needs as straightforward as possible. If you have questions or need additional resources, please reach out. We’re here to help! Exampleletter |
| 504 Plan
A 504 plan is a structured plan developed by schools to support students with disabilities or medical conditions in a regular classroom setting. It is named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is a civil rights law that guarantees equal access to education for students with disabilities. What It Does:• A 504 plan provides accommodations and support to help a student learn and participate in school alongside their peers. • It does not change the curriculum or provide special education services, but it makes adjustments to how a student learns or accesses the curriculum. Who Qualifies:• Any child with a disability or medical condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., walking, concentrating, breathing, or learning). • Common examples include ADHD, anxiety, diabetes, asthma, or recovering from an illness or injury. How to Get a 504 Plan:• Parents or teachers can request an evaluation if they believe a student needs support. • The school gathers information, including medical records, teacher observations, and academic performance. • A team of educators, the parents, and sometimes the student, create the plan if the child qualifies. Accommodations:Classroom Accommodations: • Preferential seating (e.g., near the teacher or away from distractions). • Permission to leave the classroom for breaks or to visit the nurse. • Access to a quiet space for calming down or taking tests. • Simplified or fewer assignments when overwhelmed. Testing Accommodations: • Extended time to complete tests or assignments. • Tests taken in a quiet or less distracting environment. • Permission to use a calculator, spell-checker, or other tools. • Verbal responses instead of written answers. Health and Medical Needs: • Permission to carry and use medical devices like inhalers or insulin pumps. • Frequent bathroom breaks or water access. • Assistance during transitions or mobility support for physical disabilities. • Adjusted school schedules to accommodate treatments or fatigue. Social and Emotional Support: • Access to counseling or social skills groups. • Peer mentoring or buddy programs for support. • Scheduled check-ins with a school counselor or psychologist. Assistive Technology: • Use of a laptop, tablet, or voice-to-text software. • Audio books or text-to-speech programs for reading challenges. • Large-print or Braille materials for visual impairments. Behavioral and Attention Supports: • A behavior intervention plan (BIP) for managing triggers. • Frequent check-ins or prompts to stay on task. • Visual schedules or clear step-by-step instructions.  |
| IEP Plan
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) was established as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was initially enacted in 1975 under the name Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA). This groundbreaking legislation aimed to ensure that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). An IEP lays out a customized learning plan that includes: • Specific educational goals tailored to the student. • Special services or supports, like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or extra help with reading or math. • Accommodations to help the student learn, like extended test time, a quiet space for exams, or seating close to the teacher. • Modifications, if needed, which change what the student is expected to learn (e.g., simpler assignments). Who Qualifies:Students with one of the 13 recognized disabilities under IDEA, such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or hearing impairments, qualify if their disability affects their ability to learn in a typical classroom setting. The IEP process includes:• Referral for special education evaluation • Evaluating the child's eligibility • Scheduling an IEP meeting • Developing the IEP • Providing services • Monitoring the child's progress • Reviewing the IEP and reevaluating as needed IEP Components1. Academic Goals 2. Behavioral Goals 3. Speech/Language Goals 4. Physical Therapy Goals |
