Preparing for a 504 Plan
I finally have a scheduled appointment tomorrow to set up Jordan’s 504 plan before she starts Kindergarten in a few weeks. A 504 is different from an Individual Education Plan or IEP – it’s less structured but it gives me some legal control in making sure Jordan gets the best educational experience possible. Last week, Jordan had a chance to visit school and take part in Kindergarten assessment. She did a pretty darn good job for a little girl who has been so active this summer, we didn’t spend a lot of time just studying words and letters. (She had a hard time between a capital “U” and “V” during the assessment.) She certainly proved she’s Kindergarten-ready. All the preschool learning has put her in a great position for school.
Setting up a 504 plan at her school is my way to make sure every teacher who works with Jordan is mindful of one and two handed activities. If there are two handed activities, I need the teacher to think ahead of time on how he or she can alter the work for Jordan. I don’t want disruption in the middle of the class where the activity is underway when the teacher and Jordan realize this may be tricky with one hand. I want the teacher to contact me 24 hours in advance to make sure we can come up with a solution if he or she cannot. Jordan will probably have a solution if I don’t!
I also wrote a little book that I hope to print and share with Jordan’s class and the other Kindergarten classrooms. We’ll bring all of Jordan’s helper arms to share with everyone and make sure it isn’t scary… it’s just a part of Jordan being Jordan.
Let me know what you think about the book and if you have any 504 Plan ideas!
Jordan Kindergarten Book by Jen Lee Reeves on Scribd
(By the way – the last line of the book is similar to a book shared to me by a mom in the Little Fins group in Minnesota. The limb difference community is so wonderful when it comes to thinking about starting new stages in life and helping our kids succeed!)
I love the book you created, Jen! What a wonderful idea…you’re such an amazing mama!!! <3
Thanks Lisa!! The book was Jordan approved!
Once again, mom of the year goes to you! Congrats on an amazing way to help Jordan have a great first year of school!
Thanks Lauren! I don’t need an award though!!
What a wonderful book and way to help her new kindergarten get to know all about Jordan!!! I hope she loves kindergarten!!
Thanks Amy! Jordan’s a little nervous – she periodically discusses her concern about being the “little kid” in a school with so many older kids. She’ll do great. I just know it.
I love this book Jen! What a great idea! If you have any questions about the 504 process feel free to ask, I have been on both sides of the table during those meetings. If you are worried AT ALL, you can have an advocate sit in the room with you (someone not from the school who knows something about Special Needs) to make sure that your sweet little girl is not excluded from anything, but is also protected in case of a legal problem. I have been in schools where the person writing the 504 plans was not specific enough to each situation, and I have been in schools where the teachers did not even read the 504 plans. Having a well developed plan in place can mean the difference between a healthy, happy, productive child and a child kicked out of school for problems that should have been covered under her plan (my daughter). Good luck!
Thanks so much Laura! My biggest problem is I’ve never seen what a 504 plan looks like. Jordan’s OT and her county case worker (we have a family resource program that helps us with extra activities and prosthetic costs) will be there with me. My case worker is bringing all documents about Jordan’s condition and her needs. Her OT will be there to talk about what Jordan can do and what we’re still working on. I’m there to make sure Jordan’s difference isn’t something that interrupts class and learning!
Love Love Love the book!! (And even more that you can share it online!!) This is great! Good luck with the 504 meeting! Jordan has an amazing advocate in her court!!! And as good as you’ve trained her, she’s gonna work you right out of a job as she becomes her own advocate! Fabulous ideas, Jen!!!
Thanks Breck! I really think it’s awesome to have so many years in the online world of advocacy. I’ve learned so many great ideas from so many wonderful parents!
I love the book. It’s a great idea and you’re a GREAT mom! It’s perfect!
Thank you so much. Your picture was perfect. I hope it’s okay we’re using it (Of course with the watermark!)
I absolutely love this book. I can’t wait to share it with Ashlyn. This is a great book for kids with limb differences to read as well, to see that they aren’t so different AND to encourage them to wear their arms. As always, you girls are such an inspiration. Thank you so much!
I love this book! I just shared it with Bella. You’ve inspired me to make one for her as well! I didn’t know Bella would need a 504. I’m so glad I read about it here. Btw, which camp no limits do you go to? We are planning to go to California (is it Big Bear?) next summer, and I thought it would be awesome if you were there too!
Elisa
Bella doesn’t have to have a 504… I just wanted one to make sure teachers are mindful. We have a really nice school, I just like having legal backup. We attend Camp No Limits-Missouri since it’s closest to us. I’d love to attend all of them, but we can’t afford it and I have to go to work! (But wouldn’t that be awesome?)
Ohhh I LOVVVE Jordan’s little book!!!!!!! 🙂
Thank you thank you thank you!!! I am going to bookmark this to make in a couple years!
You’re so welcome!!
[…] written a few posts in the past on how we set up for Kindergarten and communicated with parents. I welcome any and all questions as we all embark on another school […]
Thank you so much for sharing this. My daughter is not school age yet but confronting classmates when she goes to school is something I think about a lot. I’m so happy to have found this. It is a simple way share the story and all the amazing things that the child can still do. I will definitely be using this and really appreciate you sharing it with us.thank you Jordon. you are amazing
Hi Jen,
Thank you for sharing the book idea, I made it for Stephies first day of PK two days ago
That’s so great to hear, Ada!
[…] written about the school year: Sharing support for the new school year (Jordan’s pep talk) Preparing for a 504 plan Talking to Kindergarten parents #dd_ajax_float{ background:none repeat scroll 0 0 #FFFFFF; […]
High stumbled across you tonight ! I love Jordan’s book Have you considered self publishing it ? I think it would be so insightful for many other than just her class! My brother is all into this kind of thing ! His dream hobby! I am proud of him if interested check him out on fb at B.E. Schaefer’s authors page or paradactely films I think on you tube he has 4 trailers on there for his up coming release of his movie sawmill ridge which is from a book he self published ! Give Jordan big hurry for her awsomness!
Thanks so much, Gina! I hadn’t thought of self-publishing but it might be a sweet thing to do. I’ve left her stories available for anyone to print out and use – but maybe it would be sweet to make it into a real book. Thanks!
I love your blog! My daughter has a little arm and is beginning Kindergarten this year. I wanted to know if you could share what you included in your 504 plan and any activities or little things that you experienced that were missed in the plan.
Hi, Latisha! Kindergarten is going to be awesome. The major things we included in Kindergarten was extra time in transition for things like shoe typing, coat zipping, ect. I asked for 24 hour curriculum review by every teacher she works with to identify any tasks the teacher is unsure Jordan can complete with two hands (that way I could help with solutions or we could reach out to our OT or PT experts for solutions). I had lunchroom assistants pay attention anytime Jordan needed help with the school lunch tray (some lunches are heavy). I also have the district adaptive gym expert review Jordan’s needs just in case she needs extra tools or assistive devices. I also requested the option to present or have Jordan present in the classroom each year to discuss differences. I hope that helps!