Join my special conversation on April 29th with two top school 504 experts? I’ve been trying to play it cool around the house and not let on that I know that my daughter only has thirty-four more days of school. I have end-of-school fever so bad that I’m already stocking up on sunblock, bought a new beach towel, am working on creating new summer picnic recipes while scheduling my annual 504 planning meeting with her school administration!
This does not feel natural. I want to buy new sandals, not chat accommodations. Over the years, I’ve learned that I get the administration’s full attention if we meet in the spring for the upcoming year. If I wait, then I am fighting with over 1,000 other food allergy parents in my district to get a 504 meeting pulled together in the two days before school starts. No thanks-I can do without extra stress.
Luckily, I have a few tricks in my 504 tool box. They are the two wise humans I mentioned above. I invited my pals Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed and Laural Francouer, Esq., food allergy authors and advocates to join me on Friday, April 29th at noon EST (9:00am for us PST types) to talk about the importance of addressing 504 plans and school accommodations before the school year ends.
You can find us Blab as we talk about establishing and updating 504 plans. If you are new to Blab, it is a fun platform that food allergy coach and advocate, Aleasa Word, introduced me to that allows viewers to watch a live conversation and type in questions. It is very informal and lively as we’ll chat from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Nevada.
Grab a cup of coffee and join the Conversation, “Why You should be Talking Food Allergy 504 Plans Right NOW!” On Friday, April 29th at noon EST (or 9:00am PST) for those of us on the West Coast. The conversation will include tips regarding how to prepare for your 504 meeting, why meeting in the spring can be key, understanding everyone’s role and more!
Special Note: All school districts and private schools are unique, therefore spring timing may not work for you. Nevertheless, you might discover new tools and tips during this conversation that will enhance your child’s school experience. For me, I’ve learned the most from conversations with other parents. As always, never make changes to your child’s health care without speaking to your physician based on their specific health needs and situation.
Even more unnatural to me, is the sobering reality that my son only has 4.5 more days of high school left! After this week, he has finals and then no more classes as he participates in a full-time internship and then returns to school to graduate. The baton is being passed as his next meeting regarding accommodations will be with his college’s disability office–by himself. He is ready and I’m enjoying every bit of it!
Disclaimer: Gina and Laurel are dear friends who talk me off of the ledge when needed, guide me and I simply adore them. I am wicked biased and am thrilled to share our conversations with you. They have not paid me to be nice or to host this public conversation.
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Thank you for this! We’re in private school so aren’t eligible for a 504 Plan, but I get asked about them a lot so I’ve shared this in my local group and on my page. (I’m REALLY looking forward to summer too! No rushing out the door to get the kids to school, lazy days playing in the creek and at the pool, hanging out on the porch…I can’t wait.)
My eldest is graduating from a private school that does not receive public funding, so I am in the same situation. We still have our meetings and establish the plan, but since he is in high school and is very much self managed my work as been incredibly easy! Although, the Catholic schools in our town do receive some federal funds so my pals at those private schools do maintain their 504 plans.
Agreed about summer! I just hate the rushing out of the door each morning.
Caroline – Are you taping your conversation with Gina and Laurel and then making the replay available?
I believe so, I’m new at Blab and we are going to do test ASAP, so I will find out how to do it. If you have never seen one, it looks like the Brady Bunch introduction…there are up to four squares and folks are “blabbing” away! I really like the format.
Ha! Wonderful! Thank you so much!
I often have a preliminary meeting in the spring and a follow-up one in the fall. There always seem to be a few unknowns in May that are figured out by August. It’s fine with me; I’d rather be certain about everything!
That’s what I discover too, Some years we are at 90% and then we quickly update when we learn which teacher or situation. Now that Leila is in Middle school it is 100% unless there are school policy changes. I am with you, I enjoy certainty to no end! Thanks for joining the conversation and I hope you have a fabulous week.