School nurse roll in IEP + 504

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

School nurses rock... to keep students healthy and in school. I've followed this forum since inception. Understand IEP = individual education plan but no knowledge 504, so think an explanation would help us AN forum lurkers.

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[ihavealltheice]

Think of an IEP as in special education, they have low test scores and they're struggling, so what are we MODIFYING/CHANGING in the educational setting (testing and learning accommodations) specifically for them to help level the playing field.

The 504 for when they have something that can limit your basic needs. This is not considered special education. What are we ACCOMMODATING for them to get through their school day safe and/or learning. Think of your kids with foods allergies, kids with diabetes, maybe cerebral palsy. We also use 504 plans for kids with ADHD or mood disorders who don't necessarily qualify for special education services (ie, they get super distracted or have outbursts in class, but they're still scoring above the 25%).

Clear as mud? ?

[tining, BSN, RN]

With the IEP we will implement an IHealthP if there are medical needs. Therefore we still make care plans in the school nurse setting.

[aprilmoss]

504 comes from Section 504 of the rehabilitation act that says schools can't deny services to students because they are disabled. If a student has an impairment (mental or physical) that substantially reduces their ability to learn in the educational setting.

An IEP Is a requirement of students who are qualified for special education settings.

You can have a student covered by both, but usually if a student is receiving special ed services, they just integrate all the stuff that would have been done in the IEP.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Got it, thanks!

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

All of the above, and I tell parents this.

It levels the playing field, so to speak, so that access to their education is the same as everyone else.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Also accommodations on a 504 plan can go with a student to college (most common to see is small group or extended time or stop-the-clock testing); IEP modifications cannot.

As for the school nurse role - that can depend on the school. I go to 504 meetings for students for which their 504 involves me - i.e. student with ADHD that takes medication daily with me at school, or student with diabetes. At my school, I write and update the "medical only" 504 plans. These are basically the 504 plans for students that are not ADHD related or involve a larger counseling piece.

I only attend IEP meetings if the student also has a medical need that involves me.

[SandIsMyGlitterRN, BSN, RN]

I agree with JenTheschoolRN, I am only involved if they have a medical need that I need to handle during the school day. We have a large population of children with special needs in my school so I have participated in MANY IEP meetings but less 504s.