Embedded Files
As the elementary 504 Coordinator for our school, I work to ensure all students have equal access to learning opportunities. These 504 plans are designed to provide accommodations and supports for students with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. My role involves coordinating the 504 process from referrals and evaluations to plan development and implementation. I collaborate closely with families, teachers, and staff to create plans that are practical, student-focused, and consistently applied in the classroom.
Our district employs an elementary 504 Coordinator to:
Work with Families, Teachers, Counselors, and Support Staff to Create Individualized 504 Plans
Work with Families, Teachers, Counselors, and Support Staff to Create Individualized 504 Plans
Facilitate 504 team meetings that include parents/guardians, teachers, counselors, and other staff familiar with the student.
Develop individualized accommodations that directly support identified barriers to learning.
Ensure plans are student-centered and practical for classroom implementation.
Examples of accommodations that might appear in plans:
Extended time for assessments
Access to frequent breaks
Preferential seating near the teacher
Permission to use a fidget tool or assistive technology
GOAL: Collaborate to develop meaningful and effective 504 Plans that meet the unique needs of students.
Ensure That Accommodations Are Implemented Consistently and With Fidelity
Ensure That Accommodations Are Implemented Consistently and With Fidelity
Communicate with teachers and paraprofessionals about each student’s 504 Plan and required supports.
Conduct periodic check-ins with teachers to confirm accommodations are being used appropriately.
Support teachers in troubleshooting challenges or adjusting implementation strategies.
GOAL: Commit to making sure every 504 Plan comes to life in the classroom by providing the daily support each student needs to reach their full potential.
Provide Guidance for Staff on 504 Procedures and Legal Responsibilities
Provide Guidance for Staff on 504 Procedures and Legal Responsibilities
Share updated guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Provide 1:1 or small-group support for new teachers or staff unfamiliar with 504 accommodations.
Provide an overview of the 504 process and distribute 504 plans to each staff member involved in a student's 504 plan.
GOAL: Ensure that all staff understand their responsibilities under Section 504 and know how to effectively support students.
Maintain Accurate and Confidential Records
Maintain Accurate and Confidential Records
Maintain secure, confidential digital and physical records of 504 plans, evaluations, and meeting notes.
Ensure documentation meets district policy and federal legal standards.
Continuously track plan review dates and organize revision meetings.
Securely store each student’s 504 plan and review these plans regularly for accuracy and compliance.
GOAL: Protect student information and maintain organized and compliant records.
Review and Update 504 Plans Annually or as Needed
Review and Update 504 Plans Annually or as Needed
Conduct annual reviews to evaluate student progress and make updates as needed.
Schedule additional meetings when significant changes occur (new diagnosis, grade-level transition, or academic shift).
Gather teacher and parent feedback on the plan’s effectiveness before making revisions.
GOAL: Regularly review 504 plans to make sure they remain effective and relevant.
"My goal is to ensure that every student has equitable access to learning opportunities. Through collaboration, clear communication, and a focus on student growth, I help create a learning environment where all students can reach their full potential."
Chris Matejka
Phone: 507-545-2632 ext. 105
Email: chrismatejka@deschools.org
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