The Families with Children Committee explored 504 plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and Special Education at today’s meeting at the E. Cherry YWCA. Scott Raub, Special Education Parent & Community Liaison with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), led us through the basics, timelines, transfers, and more. Here’s an overview of what was covered:
- The difference between a 504 Plan & an IEP;
- The process of requesting and obtaining a 504 Plan or an IEP;
- Which timelines need to be followed when setting up either a 504 Plan or an IEP;
- How services are transferred when families move to another shelter or permanent housing; and
- The timelines that need to be followed for out-of-school suspensions.
Click here to download Scott Raub’s (OSPI) presentation on Special Education, 504 Plans, and IEPs (plus discipline!). Scott graciously included information (and links) to additional resources, and his contact information. During the meeting, he made very clear that he is a resource to you, parents, etc. Please do reach out to Scott — it’s what he’s here for!
Here are some highlights of what we learned:
- If you suspect a student has a disability – regardless of medical diagnosis – then you can request a 504 and/or special education evaluation.
- You can request 504 and IEP evaluations at the same time; each evaluation tool can be used to determine eligibility for both 504 and IEP.
- Transition services (e.g, employment preparation, job planning, independent living skills, continued education, etc.) are a mandatory component of IEPs beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when a student eligible for special education turns 16.
Additionally, Families with Children Committee Co-Chair Cassandra Simon mentioned a past workshop she attended that was focused on Autism and Special Education, presented by Larry Martin Davis with Special Education Advocacy. Click here to download Larry’s presentation of the ABC’s of Autism and Behavior workshop (including IEP, 504, and Special Education strategies). The ABC stands for ‘Anxiety, Behavior and Calming strategies.’
As a follow up from last month’s meeting with Ginger Kwan, Executive Director of Open Doors for Multicultural Families, sent us this flyer to distribute for their Inclusive Family Event: Kayaking, Adaptive Cycling & Picnic on July 5. Contact information is included!
We hope to see you at the next Families with Children Committee meeting on July 23, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at the E. Cherry YWCA (2820 E. Cherry St, Seattle, WA).