Letter for IEP Evaluation for First Grader with Seizure Disorder

[MHDNURSE]

I have a first grader who had his first seizure last Spring. He was admitted to the hospital and stayed for about 5 days as he continued to have seizures. The seizures varied in type and duration. He was eventually released and has been seizure-free. I wrote an Individualized Health Plan for him last year for the last two weeks of school (he has rectal Diastat at school). Recently his medication was changed and it has changed his behavior and concentration. Mom has requested an evaluation to see if he needs to be on IEP. I was asked to submit a letter/form for this meeting. HELP!! I have been on the Epilepsy Foundations website and see some templates for after they are put on an IEP/504, but not for an initial evaluation. I also have had very limited contact with this student as he thankfully has had no issues in school (the original seizure happened at home). Any tips or advice? I am not sure what to include in the letter. I am in Massachusetts and as we are only K and 1st grades, I haven't had to be involved in IEPs or 504s before. I am sure as we grow there will be more...

Thanks!

[KKEGS, MSN, RN]

What does this letter need to say? I've never had to write a letter. In our schools if a parent requests an IEP evaluation we have to do it. Part of the process is a health record review and verification of medical diagnosis. At that time I would get a release of information consent form to speak with the neurologist (or usually an NP or RN) and get a letter or form filled out verifying a particular diagnosis.

[OldDude]

If you don't receive a seizure action plan for school from the physician, revert to the RX instructions on the Diastat in regard to when to administer. But if you don't have physician instructions as to when to have the student transported you'll need to call immediately with any seizure. So, either you write the care plan and get the doctor to sign it or get the doctor to get you a care plan at school. I think I made my point but let me know if I just confused the matter. The seizure action plan is what you need for the 504 meeting.

[MHDNURSE]

Thanks, I have a seizure action plan from his neurologist and will have his pediatrician fill out the general form they gave me.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

OldDude said it well! This sounds like a 504, not an IEP (unless his seizure disorder/new medication means he needs classroom and work modification vs. accommodations like shorter tests - there is a rubric to follow to see if a student qualifies for an IEP but the medical diagnosis alone can create a 504).

I have started and written initial 504 plans in MA and am very familiar, OP. For this 504 plan, what I would need is a letter from the doctor confirming the diagnosis and the seizure action plan (with the medication orders). If he needs additional accommodations, I may also request those in writing from the doctor as well (typically included in the diagnosis letter).

If you have a IHP and the doctor/parent is in agreement with it, that could be signed off on as well to use.

PM me if you'd like for any MA specifics.