E is going to school

[Charleigh]

He is fourteen now. He has always been homeschooled. He wants to go to high school next year. E won a nice merit scholarship to a local, private day school. I didn't feel that the public schools here were a good option for him.
This private school is a small, non stressful environment. Only about 35 to 40 kids per grade. Class sizes are small and the teachers work very close with the students. They are accustomed to dealing with health issues.

So what do I need to know about having a high schooler with crohn's in school? Do I need to fill out a disability plan? It seems a bit detailed for a high schooler who can mostly take care of himself.

They already plan to have me meet with all of his teachers a few times a year and discuss how he is doing and make a plan if things needs to change.

Thanks

 

[Catherine]

I think the American parents have 504 for their children.

 

[Mr chicken]

Private school are not required to make a 504 plan unless they receive federal funds
Section 504 of the Adaa is a federal law permitting those disabilities to have access to a free and appropriate public education.

Things to ask
Does the school have a nurse dedicated to that school ( most private schools have the public school nurse for a few hours once a month )
Stop the clock testing
Unlimited bathroom pass without the need to ask
No penalties for tardies/missed days due to crohns ( abscences count against sports participation)
Extra set of books at home due to missed school
Extra time to make up work due to crohns
Water bottle due to crohns
Ability to self limit activities in class or gym without penalty
Rest in the office as needed during the day
Keep food ( shakes formula ) in nurses fridge
Snacks as needed throughout the day
Keeping an extra set of clothes plus wipes in the nurses office

 

[Farmwife]

My kids are also private schooled (I use to homeschool also:thumleft.
I guess we don't have a true 504 but set up one that's similar.
If you ever have to pay it's important to protect your investment in his schooling!
We pay, so you better believe I want my money's worth!

Things we do that are a must....
His school should have a folder with a note from his GI stating his disease and any restrictions and or accommodations that your son will be allowed.
Also any others notes from docs that they need to know.

Also all medical leave ( doctors appointment, procedures......) should have have a medical excuse notes on record. Make sure the days off for medical reasons won't count against the 10-15 days he's allowed off anyways. This is important if the government comes in and checks on things. They could claim your son is truant (sp?).

Plus, if your son is out for a period of time because of his illness what will be the plan for tutoring at home? Well it be your responsibility or theirs?

Still meet with his teachers and principle if you can to discuss this disease. He might be well know but that can change quick.

 

[Clash]

Since C is asymptomatic it always seems detailed to me too but even with his admission to college we are meeting with the Office of Disability on campus to lay down all that has been put forth in past 504s. Hopefully we won't need them but they are there if we do.

C's is similar to Mr chicken but he also has late classes included since when his JSPA is flaring mornings are the hardest.

Good luck at the new school!

 

[Charleigh]

They want me to give them the 504 even though they don't think it will be necessary. They are already prepared to work with his needs. They have two current students with crohns and a student with severe diabetes. They seem understanding and willing to work with whatever I suggest he needs.

 

[Clash]

That's great! The school we enrolled C in his 10th grade year was a smallish private flex school. They already had several kids that deal with chronic illness and were very adept at striving to ensure all of C's educational needs were met during surgery

They requested a 504 his senior year even though we had long since set up a "needs" list for just in case. Their reasoning was that other will make for easier health needs transition through the OOD at university.

 

[Maya142]

CCFA has a template for 504 plans for kids with Crohn's: http://www.ccfa.org/resources/template-section-504-plan.html

It's great that the school is being helpful. Hope E enjoys his new school!

 

[Jmrogers4]

Jack went to a private school his freshman year which ended up being a pretty awful year for him health wise, lots of missed days and lots of tardies, the school was awesome about working with us. We had an accommodation plan instead of a 504 but it pretty much followed his 504. They were really open to working with us to make it so he had the best chance of succeeding.
His plan followed Mr Chicken's pretty much. The school had a full time nurse and she and Jack got to know each other really well. In fact they gave flu shots at the school and she called me to ask if I would like Jack to have one and be in the first priority so basically they gave them to the staff, Jack then the rest of the school that asked for them. It was nice not having to take him to one more doctor appointment.

 

[CarolinAlaska]

Sounds like a great situation. I hope it really is nonstress. In private schools, 504s haven't been needed for us.