help with school not following 504

[kmbm331]

hello

I am looking for some advice on how to ensure my son gets his medicine at school each day as well as getting the school to follow the 504 plan out in place . I have in the current plan that we meet monthly to check in but that hasn’t happened with all that needs to attend. My son is 14 yrs old and freshman in high school.

[Onthemove1971]

Thanks for the post. The medication should be handled with the school nurse, charted and locked up. There are strict guidelines about this. If this is not happening the principal should know asap about this. If he is refusing to go take the medication that is another story.

The 504 plan is a federal document, the person in charge of it should be over seeing it. Call a meeting right away and if you need to call a supervisor into the meeting..

[anirush]

I found with my grandson that a 504 is not always followed as well as an IEP is. He had a 504 in grade school. When he got to middle school the special ed department changed it to an IEP. It is federally mandated. But even then you have to make sure the teachers are aware and follow what is written in there. You often have to keep battling for your kid. It can be exhausting.

[HCStymie]

I don't know anything about 504 plans. And you didn't mention what medication in particular. But, is it possible to select a medication that does not need to be taken at school. Such as for ADHD, can take Adderall XR in the morning instead of needing a second dose of IR in the afternoon, or Strattera is taken once in the morning with breakfast. If you can take the medication out of the hands of the school, then that is one less thing to worry about and can focus on others.

[LisethHIS]

Hello, kmbm331,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. When it comes to assuring that the medication is given you would have a medication document sign by his medical provider with details of the medication and time to give it. I would also talk to your son that it's important for him to go to the nurse's office to take his medication. If you want to assure that medication is being taken and log, you should set an appointment with the nurse to discuss your concerns. When it comes to his 504 here is some information and if you don't think he is getting the accommodations he needs chadd.org/adhd-weekly/secti... you can reach out to parentcenterhub.org/find-yo... and copaa.org/search/custom.asp... if you need someone to advocate.

If you have further questions, please let us know. We are here to help!

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD chadd.org