504 Plan & Accommodations [Elementary School]

A mother with a newly diagnosed son is prepping him for kindergarten later this year. She asked what some of the accommodations are. There are a number of resources available to assist parents with integrating their child into a new environment, such as starting school. Many parents are unaware of the options available. 

A 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a disabled child is identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives the appropriate accommodations that assists in their academic success. 

I also highly recommend that you meet with the teachers before the semester starts, inform them of CF and give them your personal cell phone number in case of emergencies.

http://www.cff.org/LivingWithCF/AtSchool/

A few accommodations that can be in place (keep in mind they vary from patient to patient depending on their progression of CF)

       

Children with CF lose five times more salt when they sweat than children without CF. Therefore, XX must drink fluids directly before, during and after exercise (PE, playground, etc). Salt can also be replaced by eating high-salt foods like pretzels or potato chips.

should be allowed to have a sport bottle of fluids on her desk at all times. Plastic water bottles should be thrown away at the end of each day, even if full.

should always have the top shelf or cubby at the end of the row nearest the door.
desk should be on the outside of the class and upfront.

should be moved away from any child who is sitting next to her or at the same table when congested, coughing, runny nose, stomach ache, not feeling well, etc.

Unlimited access to snacks, restroom and water.

may need to attend school with a peripheral interveneous catheter (PICC line) inserted into her arm for antibiotics. It is critical that this line be cared for during the day by school staff to make sure it is not bumped or damaged. Level of appropriate activity should be discussed as well as an emergency plan.
may need to have support when she must stay at home or be hospitalized due to complications from her illness. She may require that only pertinent work (English/reading & math) be assembled by her teachers in the event of absences. Additionally, if she has to miss school for an extended period of time, homebound services (tutor) may be requested.

Rest in nurses office as needed
Notification of viral outbreaks


Adjust or waive attendance guidelines

    Waive tardy regulations/policy due to time consuming morning therapy.
Access to tissues when needed to blow nose due to chronic sinusitis and/or cough.

Antibacterial waterless soap should be placed in all central school areas including the office, computer lab, library, MPR, lunch line, etc.

 
Those with CF must never be in the same room, use the same computer/ lab desk (even at different times), lunchtime serving utensils (salad bar) or any materials whatsoever used by someone else with CF. Especially, not to use the same bathrooms. They also must stay a minimum of 3-feet away from each other.

 
should not be excluded from any physical activity unless notified by parents. Exercise is very beneficial for children with CF.

 
Full participation in extra-curricular activities and field trips.

 
needs as much time as possible to eat meals at school and snacks should always be accessible in the classroom.  

 
should always be able to go to the front of the lunch line when purchasing a school