Accessing Services to Support Your Child’s Development: School Age
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Children with some craniofacial conditions may need support to do activities, communicate or learn in a general education classroom. Your child’s craniofacial team will work with you to determine if your child’s condition puts them at risk for hearing, speech or other learning differences. Your child may qualify for special services that provide support as they learn and grow. The goal for all children with craniofacial conditions is to be able to access the general education curriculum for their grade level. |
What support can the school provide?There are local, state and federal laws to support your child in school. Once a child turns 3, they can receive specialized support through the school district until they are 21 years of age. Your child may qualify for support at school through either an Individualized Education Plan (called IEP) or a 504 plan. |
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)An IEP describes services that your child receives in a special or regular education setting. It includes specific goals for them to work on during the year. It describes support needed to achieve them, including school-based therapies and specially designed instruction. Key school staff and you develop the IEP. The team meets, reviews the assessment information about your child and designs a program to address your child’s needs. The school district monitors and manages the IEP. A federal special education law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs IEPs. |
504 PlanA 504 plan is different from an IEP. A 504 plan is a list of accommodations that a student needs in their regular education classroom. The school and district specialists manage the 504 together. A federal civil rights law called Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 governs 504 plans. |
How will I know which plan my child needs?School staff will work with you to decide which plan is best for your child. This may include your child’s teacher, school counselor, school psychologist, special education teacher or coordinator, or school-based therapists. The decision-making process may include evaluating your child and reviewing their academic and other related information. You have a right and responsibility to participate in the meetings. |
What are the types of services may be available to my child?The types of services, modifications or accommodations your child may qualify for include:
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How do I start the process?The process to develop a 504 plan is simpler than the IEP process. Some districts do not require a full evaluation for a child to receive a 504 plan, but some districts do. The IEP process is more complex and can be broken into the following 7 steps: |
1. Pre-referralTalk to your child’s teacher about your concerns. The teacher will document your child’s challenges. They will try different techniques to see how your child responds to support. The teacher will monitor your child’s progress in the regular classroom to determine if the support is helping. |
2. ReferralIf your child needs further support, the teacher will refer your child for an IEP. As a parent, you can also request an evaluation for an IEP. Parents, nurses, physicians, counselors, psychologists, audiologists or other staff member can all request referrals. |
3. IdentificationThe school will conduct an assessment to determine if your child needs services. It will document your child’s baseline skills, strengths and areas of need. |
4. EligibilityThe school team will determine if your child is eligible for special services and areas of support. |
5. Development of IEPEach specialist will create goals and a specific plan to meet your child’s individual needs. The school will discuss the plan with you during an IEP meeting. |
6. Implementation of IEPYour child begins receiving their services. |
7. Review of IEPThe school reviews your child’s IEP to make sure they are following the plan, and it meets your child’s needs. The school will review the IEP every year. The law requires re-evaluation for an IEP every 3 years. You can ask for an updated IEP plan at any time. |
What if my child does not attend a public school?Children who are home-schooled or attend private school can receive support from the public school. Private schools are not required by law to provide IEP and 504 plan services. Your local school district is responsible for evaluating your child to see if they are eligible for special services. The public school can provide services and accommodations under an IEP if your child qualifies. Your child may need to go to the closest public school to receive special services, or specialists from the local school may provide services in a different setting. For more information, contact your local public school district. |
Where can I get more Information?Find out more about special services in: Alaska:
Idaho:
Montana: Washington:
Wyoming:
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