504 plan accommodations

[eeyv]

I'm new to the forum, so this topic may already have been covered....please forgive me, if that's the case. 

I am in the beginning stages of guiding the development of a 504 plan to file for my 6th-grade daughter who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 2 weeks ago. The diagnosis was made with a biopsy.

My first question...A 504 is what's necessary....not just the IHCP, correct or no? I have the Physician's Statement & the Medical Evaluation report from our GI specialist. What else do I need to have at the ready? The team has requested we go ahead and write the IHCP & then include it with the 504. 

And my second question...What accommodations have others found relevant to include on the IHCP  & 504? I just watched a 504-Plan webinar I found on this forum & it recommends the following:

-access to gluten-free food in classroom & cafeteria

- excused absence from activities that use gluten-containing foods or materials

-  prevent cross-contamination in school food service

- use of microwave to heat personal meals

-  bathroom priveleges

Is there anything I need to consider adding? My daughter does prefer eating school meals rather than packing a lunch from home & I am concerned about special events, overnight field trips etc.

My learning curve is steep. What am I missing? Teach me, please & thanks so much! This forum has already helped me tremendously these past few weeks.

[cyclinglady]

12 hours ago, eeyv said:

I'm new to the forum, so this topic may already have been covered....please forgive me, if that's the case. 

I am in the beginning stages of guiding the development of a 504 plan to file for my 6th-grade daughter who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 2 weeks ago. The diagnosis was made with a biopsy.

My first question...A 504 is what's necessary....not just the IHCP, correct or no? I have the Physician's Statement & the Medical Evaluation report from our GI specialist. What else do I need to have at the ready? The team has requested we go ahead and write the IHCP & then include it with the 504. 

And my second question...What accommodations have others found relevant to include on the IHCP  & 504? I just watched a 504-Plan webinar I found on this forum & it recommends the following:

-access to gluten-free food in classroom & cafeteria

- excused absence from activities that use gluten-containing foods or materials

-  prevent cross-contamination in school food service

- use of microwave to heat personal meals

-  bathroom priveleges

Is there anything I need to consider adding? My daughter does prefer eating school meals rather than packing a lunch from home & I am concerned about special events, overnight field trips etc.

My learning curve is steep. What am I missing? Teach me, please & thanks so much! This forum has already helped me tremendously these past few weeks.

I can not help you with the the 504 plan, but I do know that I would do it.  My daughter is 15 and so far has tested negative for celiac disease, but in the event she does test positive, she will need a 504 plan to help keep her safe.  I am sure other parents will chime in.  This topic has come up repeatedly.  Until then, try a search with the forum.  Lots of people have posted with their comments and experiences.  

As far as lunch is concerned, my kid has not purchased a school lunch since the 1st grade.  She says they are gross.  (Poor me!).  But, I would not trust the school to provide a gluten-free lunch.  Sure, they are required by law, but let's face it, who is working in the kitchens, ordering, etc?  I am on a University campus and have called out food service for not following gluten-free safe practices!  

 I would pack a lunch, at least until her health has stabilized.  The 504 plan is great for extra trips to the bathroom and hand washing.  It provides some protection in the classroom.  

Keep advocating for her Mom!  You are doing a great job!  

[cyclinglady]

Oh, I would suggest providing gluten-free goodies (e.g. Candy) or even a frozen cupcake (kept in the teacher's freezer) in the event of a party.  My daughter's classmate is severely allergic to peanuts.  Her mom did that and Abby was never left out!  ?

[dkader]

Honestly, I would not trust the school to provide a gluten-free meal except for fruit, salads, veggies, etc. I sub in a school cafeteria and I swear everything is breaded or on bread. Utensils are shared. They're very clean but unless you have a very knowledgeable person in there, I just wouldn't chance it. I found a slim Jim type snack that says gluten-free on it. If you want to give me your email or FB account, I can send you some very valuable info on 504's though. They carry the student right through college. I kept a copy of what a friend wrote about her daughter being in a sorority and just how the 504 helped immensely. But, I would definitely get one and still be prepared to pack a lunch. All our meals are delivered frozen and we just hear them up. If your school actually fixes food, that's different. 

[cyclinglady]

9 minutes ago, dkader said:

Honestly, I would not trust the school to provide a gluten-free meal except for fruit, salads, veggies, etc. I sub in a school cafeteria and I swear everything is breaded or on bread. Utensils are shared. They're very clean but unless you have a very knowledgeable person in there, I just wouldn't chance it. I found a slim Jim type snack that says gluten-free on it. If you want to give me your email or FB account, I can send you some very valuable info on 504's though. They carry the student right through college. I kept a copy of what a friend wrote about her daughter being in a sorority and just how the 504 helped immensely. But, I would definitely get one and still be prepared to pack a lunch. All our meals are delivered frozen and we just hear them up. If your school actually fixes food, that's different. 

Consider using our forum private message feature to protect privacy....just in case you all did not know ? !

[eeyv]

Thank-you, thank-you! I am so relieved to have input from others who have experience with celiac disease. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about the school cafeteria. I'll ask our very nice and experienced Cafe Mgr for realistic info and details. My primary concern is the safety of my daughter and packing a lunch will not be that big a deal, even though she prefers the fresh prep instead of lunchbox offerings. Sigh. It sounds as if the 504 is unquestionably the preference over the IHCP, since the 504 is binding and follows the student through his/her academic career. I have a meeting with the admin team on Tuesday. Until then, I'm reading lots so i can be informed. And, dkader, I sent you a private message via the blog's feature. I'd certainly love to read the 504 info you have squirreled away. Thank-you so much!