504 Policy

Download Handbook

This policy ensures compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and applicable federal and New York State regulations. It is the policy of this school to provide a free appropriate public education to all students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to educational programs and activities. 

A student is considered eligible under Section 504 if they: 

  • Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (i.e., learning, reading, concentrating, communicating), 
  • Have a record of such an impairment, or 
  • Are regarded as having such an impairment.

The school will identify students who may qualify under section 504 through: 

  • Teacher referrals 
  • Parent/guardian requests
  • Review of academic, behavioral, or health concerns 
  • Screening data and intervention outcomes

Referrals may be made at any time to the 504 Coordinator, our Special Education Manager. This Coordinator is responsible for: 

  • Overseeing identification, evaluation, and placement procedures
  • Ensuring procedural safeguards are provided 
  • Managing complaints and compliance efforts 

Before any initial placement under Section 504, the school will conduct an evaluation that:

  • Uses a variety of assessment tools and sources (i.e., classroom performance, medical documentation, standardized data)
  • Is conducted by a team of knowledgeable professionals 
  • Interventions have been put into place and progress monitored for six to eight weeks 
  • Ensures decisions are not based on a single measure

Parent/Guardian Notice & Consent:

  • Parents/guardians will receive written notice prior to evaluation
  • Consent will be obtained before conducting evaluations

A Section 504 Team will be convened for each eligible student and will include:

  • The parent/guardian
  • At least one general education teacher
  • School staff knowledgeable about the student
  • Individuals knowledgeable about evaluation data and placement options
  • The 504 Coordinator or designee

The 504 Team will:

  • Review evaluation data
  • Determine whether the student qualifies under Section 504
  • Document eligibility decisions

*If a student is found eligible, the 504 Team will:

  • Develop a Section 504 Plan outlining accommodations, supports, or services
  • Ensure placement is in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
  • Base decisions on individual student needs

Parents will receive written notice of eligibility decisions.

Examples of accommodations may include:

  • Preferential seating
  • Extended time on assignments/tests
  • Behavioral supports
  • Health-related accommodations

Students with 504 Plans will be reevaluated:

  • Periodically (recommended every 3 years)
  • Before any significant change in placement
  • Upon parent/guardian or staff request

Reevaluation may include:

  • Review of current performance
  • Updated medical or educational information
  • Input from teachers and parents

Procedural Safeguards for Parents/Guardians

Parents/guardians are provided the following rights:

A. Notice

Written notice of identification, evaluation, eligibility, and placement decisions

B. Records Review

The right to inspect and review all educational records related to their child

C. Participation

The right to participate in all 504 meetings and decisions

D. Impartial Hearing

The right to request an impartial hearing if they disagree with decisions

E. Appeal

  • The right to appeal the outcome of a hearing

F. Complaint Resolution

  • The right to file a complaint with the school or district
  • Complaints will be addressed through a prompt and equitable resolution process

Grievance/Complaint Procedures

The school will maintain a grievance procedure to ensure prompt and equitable resolution of complaints.

Process:

  1. Complaint submitted in writing to the 504 Coordinator
  2. Investigation conducted (including interviews and document review)
  3. Written decision issued within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days)
  4. Option to appeal the decision to district administration

Parents also have the right to file complaints with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

The school does not discriminate on the basis of disability in:

  • Admission
  • Access to programs or activities
  • Educational services

The school will provide ongoing training to staff regarding:

  • Section 504 requirements
  • Identification and referral procedures
  • Implementation of accommodations

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated to remain compliant with federal and New York State regulations.


Reviewed/Revised Date: April 14, 2026