504 Plan for daughter with Celiac

[rachee220]

Hello! My daughter is currently starting Kindergarten this year in a public school.  He GI doctor has talked to us about having her on a 504 once she enters school. She started this past Monday.

I have been in contact with her school and the sped. teacher in charge of these and have been told that she won’t need a 504 just a health plan. We are having a difficult time getting her to understand and agree that she needs a 504 which she does in fact qualify for with her Celiac disease. I also know that health plans do not have the legal protection like a 504 does.

Id love to hear from other parents whom have gotten a 504 for their children who have Celiac. How can I press this issue and make sure they comply and get her on a 504? I am willing to press the issue but would love insight and help of what things I can say to make them understand and know that she needs and legally is allowed to have one. 

Also what types of accommodations do you have for your child. 

Im trying so hard to not be frustrated but feel we are getting the run around and not being heard. HELP!!

[ravenwoodglass]

Call your doctor's office and get a letter from him stating the need for the 504. There is a lot that needs to be done to keep your child safe and they can not legally ignore his needs.

[desirun]

My daughter is now in high school and there isn't a 504 plan option anymore, so she is on a health plan.  I'm not sure if the plans vary from state to state, but in IL 504 plans are still an option for elementary.  My guess is your school isn't familiar with celiac decease and the need for a 504 plan.  Ask for a note from the MD's office and continue to advocate for your daughter.  This will also help pave the way for other kids with celiac disease at your school.

[cyclinglady]

You can google “504 plans celiac disease” and find great information about 504 plans which your child does qualify for.  

My daughter does not have celiac disease, but I did a bit of research prior to her last celiac disease testing before she heads off to a dorm this fall.   I also am on a university campus a lot.  So, this is just my personal advice.  

I would get the plan.  It will help protect your daughter in the classroom (e.g. avoiding Play Doh, dealing with gluten foods during parties in a classroom and access to a bathroom, etc).  However, I would not expect nor would recommend your child consuming a cafeteria lunch.  My daughter went through school and I packed her a lunch everyday.  She tried the lunch in he first grade and it was terrible.  I subbed in our district and agreed.  At least in California, most lunches are prepared and delivered to the school.  No more nice cafeteria workers making food from scratch.  I would worry that a young child would not be able to identify a food that may contain gluten.    I am fighting with my university because as staff changes or food service is re-outsourced, gluten free options become lax.  I am fighting not for myself, but for the students who medically need to be gluten free and are in a dorm.  

Keep advocating for your child!  Be nice and take this time to educate.  

Edited August 16, 2019 by cyclinglady

[DWmomoffour]

20 hours ago, rachee220 said:

 

Hi,

My daughter is in 3rd grade and she has a school plan managed by the nurse. Right now I feel comfortable with this option because she mainly has one teacher all day and the special teachers also get a copy of the plan. When she gets into middle school I will have them move to a 504 because of the changing classes and accountability concerns.

If you really want something done, contact the special educator coordinator for the district and formally request a 504 Plan in writing with the diagnosis also in writing from the physician. Legally, they need to respond. Usually the nurse manages the plan (school plan or 504) because it’s medical in nature, but this can vary by the district.

Good luck! My daughter has become her own best advocate and I’m sure yours will be too!

Debbie

 

 

Hello! My daughter is currently starting Kindergarten this year in a public school.  He GI doctor has talked to us about having her on a 504 once she enters school. She started this past Monday.

I have been in contact with her school and the sped. teacher in charge of these and have been told that she won’t need a 504 just a health plan. We are having a difficult time getting her to understand and agree that she needs a 504 which she does in fact qualify for with her Celiac disease. I also know that health plans do not have the legal protection like a 504 does.

Id love to hear from other parents whom have gotten a 504 for their children who have Celiac. How can I press this issue and make sure they comply and get her on a 504? I am willing to press the issue but would love insight and help of what things I can say to make them understand and know that she needs and legally is allowed to have one. 

Also what types of accommodations do you have for your child. 

Im trying so hard to not be frustrated but feel we are getting the run around and not being heard. HELP!!

 

[GFinDC]

Here's an article on 504 plans for info.

https://blog.findmeglutenfree.com/2019/08/13/back-to-school-504-plan-for-celiac-child/?fbclid=IwAR0Fb5x6JlFGLiqSfYOg9_ZXv_8kaEkwgGBaBYS19JnLoj4e5PYaX-kl1MU

 

[rachee220]

Thank you for the article