If you feel your child needs accommodations or changes in the classroom, the first step is asking for an evaluation from the school. This request should be in writing. Sometimes the school will be the one to suggest an evaluation for your child. Be sure to include anything that supports your child’s needs in your request (i.e. letter from neuromuscular provider or PCP, past report cards, parent notes, etc.).
For both a 504 and IEP, your child will be evaluated by a team from the school district that can include teachers, administrators, a psychologist, and specialists (physical therapist, speech therapist,etc).
Some of the recommended testing includes:
- Functional Behavioral Assessment
- Interviews
- Cognitive testing
- Classroom observation
- Psychological evaluation
Once this evaluation is complete, the school will schedule an “eligibility meeting” with you to go over the results of the evaluation.
Parents have the right to see the evaluation results before the meeting. If you did not receive a copy, reach out to the school and ask for one.
Be sure to come prepared with questions, concerns, or ideas. As a parent, you are an equal part of the team and have the right to be included in the decision for your child.
Parents have the right to invite additional people for support during the meeting (family, friend, professional, family advocates, etc).
If your child is found eligible for special education services, then an IEP will be written. If the school finds your child is not eligible for special education services, you may ask for a 504 evaluation instead or dispute the results of the evaluation. Click here to learn what to do if your child is declined services.
It’s important to remember that your child’s school wants your child to be safe and successful, but they might need a little help in finding the best way to achieve that. PPMD is here to support you in this journey and act as an advocate for your child. If you still have questions about your child and school, reach out to careteam@parentprojectmd.org or schedule a meeting with the PPMD For You team here.
PPMD wants to make sure that families within the Duchenne and Becker community have the necessary tools to ensure a successful school year. Navigating care for your child is hard enough, let alone trying to understand IEPs (individualized education programs) vs. 504 plans, classroom accommodations, activity limitations, and what information to provide to school staff about your child’s medical care. So in order to help, consider the following your Duchenne and Becker School Survival Kit!
