How can I start the process?
If your student has a physical/mental impairment that requires additional support, please contact Section 504 Counselor Frieda Miller at friedal.miller@cms.k12.nc.us or submit the referral form on this page and attach any documentation.
What information does the 504 team consider during the evaluation for eligibility?
The 504 team considers data gathered from a variety of sources including, but not limited to: parent input, student work samples, teacher/administrator input and recommendations, Special Education records, aptitude & achievement tests, disciplinary records, early intervention data, mitigating measures, grade reports, adaptive behavior, school health information, medical evaluations/diagnoses/physical conditions, state test information, attendance, etc.
My student has medical documentation of a disability or diagnosis. Do they automatically qualify for Section 504 accommodations?
Student eligibility is determined by the Section 504 team. The team considers data gathered from a variety of sources to make an eligibility determination. A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for Section 504 services. In addition, students can be eligible for Section 504 and not require accommodations due to mitigating measures or a diagnosis in remission.
My student completed a full psychological evaluation and the clinician recommended a Section 504 plan, what are the next steps?
Contact Section 504 Counselor Frieda Miller, friedal.miller@cms.k12.nc.us or submit the referral form below with documentation attached via email.
Per CMS policy, all full psychological evaluations must first be reviewed by the school’s Exceptional Children’s (EC) department to ensure the appropriate level of service is provided based on the assessment results. The 504 counselor will provide the evaluation to the school’s EC department. When the EC review process is completed, Section 504 eligibility can then be determined by the 504 team. Once a student is determined eligible, the need for an accommodation plan will be determined by the team.
My student is transferring from a school outside of CMS and has a 504 plan from their previous school. Is the current plan followed?
Yes, please be sure to indicate your student received a 504 plan on the enrollment paperwork, as well as, notify the registrar upon enrollment. The plan provided by the previous school will be distributed to your student’s teachers and followed as written to the extent possible. The 504 counselor will reach out to schedule an initial 504 meeting for your student to review their eligibility and make sure their accommodations are updated to comply with local and state requirements. Documentation of your student’s disability may be requested.
My student sustained a concussion, broken bone, or other temporary impairment. Do they need a 504 plan?
Any injury or impairment that is expected to heal in six months or less is considered transient and does not require a 504 accommodation plan. Please provide any medical documentation/recommendations to your student’s counselor or teachers. If the impairment lasts longer than six months or develops into a permanent condition, 504 eligibility can be considered.
My student is physically unable to attend school due to a diagnosis or treatment. How can they access instruction?
Contact your student’s school counselor for more information.
