Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD or is simply struggling in school and you would like to request an evaluation for a 504 plan for accommodations but aren’t sure how to get started? Check out the links below for information on what the 504 process is, who qualifies for it, how to request an evaluation, and what to expect during the evaluation, and lots more!
Requesting-a-504-Accommodation.pdf_safe
Has your child received a diagnosis such as Autism, Down Syndrome, or even severe ADHD and you are concerned they are struggling in school but not sure how to help? They may qualify for an Individualized Education Plan or IEP. Check out the links below for the process for requesting an evaluation for an IEP, the process schools to follow for evaluation, and what you as a parent should expect and need to provide.
How-to-Request-an-Initial-Evaluation-for-Special-Education-Eligibility.pdf_safe
SAMPLE-LETTER-REQUESTING-AN-INITIAL-SPECIAL-EDUCATION-EVALUATION.pdf_safe
Has your child previously been evaluated but still struggling? You can also request a Re-Evaluation at any time. Check out the following sample letter below.
SAMPLE-LETTER-REQUESTING-A-REEVALUATION.pdf_safe
The Arc of San Antonio was founded to create a network of support and services for their children with special needs. The Arc has developed programs and partnerships that address the most critical issues facing people living with disabilities. It offers one of the largest continuum of services for children and adults with a broad range of developmental abilities.
http://www.arc-sa.org/pages/about-us/
The National Center For Learning Disabilities is an advocacy program that has scholarships/awards as well as resources for young adults (e.g. leadership opportunities, research, etc.) with learning disabilities. NCLD hopes to empower young adults with learning and attention issues through initiatives, including an online community, leadership opportunities, and research.
Confused about the difference between an IEP versus a 504 plan? Does your child need one or both? Which should you request from the school? Check out the link below for helpful information that explains what an IEP (or Individualized Education Plan) and a 504 plan are and details regarding both, including how to start the process for your child.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – passed Congress in 1975 to ensure all children with disabilities in the U.S. receive free and appropriate public education (FAPE)- Birth to 3 years old is under Part C of IDEA Act. From third birthday to 1st grade is under Part B:Section 619 of IDEA.
Similar to Chapter 15 – is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is not a special education program. Any student with a disability that interferes with a major life activity is qualified for educational services and accommodations. Student does not get an IEP. Conditions include: ADHD; Dyslexia: Severe Asthma; and others.
ABC’s mission is to increase the number of well-educated young people of color who are capable of assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in American society. This mission is carried out through the signature College Preparatory Schools Program (“CPSP”), which annually recruits, refers and supports about 500 A Better Chance Scholars at more than 300 of the nation’s leading boarding, day and public schools. For more information go to website below.
http://www.abetterchance.org/
A Non-profit organization with information on colleges, how to pay for college, and how to prepare starting with PSAT, SAT, ACT prep and lots of scholarship information. Explore the website below.
www.collegeboard.com
Empower House (formerly Martinez Street Women’s Center) was founded in 1999 with a mission to improve reproductive health services and access for women — primarily brown and Black women — on the East Side of San Antonio.
QuestBridge is a powerful platform that connects the nation’s brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities. By facilitating these exchanges, QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation’s best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself. Check out their website for info.
www.questbridge.org/
Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a program that promotes early literacy by bringing new books and advice about the importance of reading aloud into the pediatric exam room.
www.reachoutandread.org
Reading Rockets is a national public media literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help. Please visit https://www.readingrockets.org/ for more information, and to access free resources designed to help.
Tips for Reading to Baby:
Services for Children, Teens and Adults, your local library provides: Free online tutoring help, Reading, Story Time, Play & Learn, Symphony Music, Family Fun Programs & Activities and other resources designed to support the learning and development of children’s love of books, reading and learning. Over 30 locations throughout the San Antonio area.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $190 million in scholarships to nearly 2,500 students from 8th grade through graduate school. Also provides comprehensive counseling and other support services to students. The Foundation has provided over $100 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.
Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families (Tutor.com/military), funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CMGA), is a program that allows eligible students in grades kindergarten through college to connect to a live tutor online for one‐to‐one help with homework, studying, test prep and more.
Click HERE for more information on this great resource.