APS - how to start 504 evaluation process?

[Anonymous]

I have a middle schooler for whom we need to start the special education process (ADHD and dysgraphia). I have been over and over the school's site and the general APS site, and cannot find information about how to start the evaluation process. Can anyone point me in the right direction - is there a specific form I need to fill out, someone I have to call? Thank you!!

[Anonymous]

APS Parent Resource Center has information about the process on their website: https://www.apsva.us/special-education/parent-resource-center/
Arlington SEPTA (Special Education PTA) is another good resource: https://www.arlingtonsepta.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:APS Parent Resource Center has information about the process on their website: https://www.apsva.us/special-education/parent-resource-center/
Arlington SEPTA (Special Education PTA) is another good resource: https://www.arlingtonsepta.org/

Thanks for your response. I have been through the PRC site and cannot find a clear explanation of how we are supposed to start the process in concrete terms. Unfortunately the "Sped 101" page of the SEPTA site just says it is under construction and does not provide any information.

[Anonymous]

Do you have your own diagnoses of these issues? I ask because I tried to get APS to recognize similar issues in my child and because child was not acting out in school, they did not test. They met with us and provided "accommodations" to keep us at bay, but they didn't do anything to actually solve and/or treat the problem.

So what I'm saying is, if you have your own diagnoses or can afford to get them on your own, do that and then bring them in as a done deal, rather than wait for APS to act on its own. Remember that your interests and APS's interests are not the same. They want a calm, quiet classroom without interruptions and, as a bonus, your child's success without costly interventions on their part. You want your child to be happy and well-educated and not hurt by the school experience. Do not trust that APS has your child's best interests in mind -- remember that it's your job to look out for your child and do not fall into the trap that the school district is basically on your side. (Learn from my mistakes.)

[Anonymous]

https://www.apsva.us/special-education/parent-resource-center/student-study-committee/

"Parents wishing to refer their child to a Student Support Team meeting to discuss concerns and/or request a special education evaluation are encouraged to share their request in writing with their child’s teacher. For elementary school students, a copy should be shared with the principal or assistant principal. For middle and high school students, a copy should be shared with the student’s counselor and the Director of Counseling."

Start with the student's counselor. There should be a tab on your school's website for "Counseling."

[Anonymous]

So we got an ADHD diagnosis from the pediatrician and then the school social worker initiated the process (we had been in touch before). They just needed a letter from the pediatrician saying “this child has ADHD.”

It was really helpful that DD knew the social worker before the meeting. The social worker recommended accommodations that never would have occurred to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have your own diagnoses of these issues? I ask because I tried to get APS to recognize similar issues in my child and because child was not acting out in school, they did not test. They met with us and provided "accommodations" to keep us at bay, but they didn't do anything to actually solve and/or treat the problem.

So what I'm saying is, if you have your own diagnoses or can afford to get them on your own, do that and then bring them in as a done deal, rather than wait for APS to act on its own. Remember that your interests and APS's interests are not the same. They want a calm, quiet classroom without interruptions and, as a bonus, your child's success without costly interventions on their part. You want your child to be happy and well-educated and not hurt by the school experience. Do not trust that APS has your child's best interests in mind -- remember that it's your job to look out for your child and do not fall into the trap that the school district is basically on your side. (Learn from my mistakes.)

We have a report from a private evaluation diagnosing ADHD and dysgraphia and providing a list of recommended school accommodations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.apsva.us/special-education/parent-resource-center/student-study-committee/

"Parents wishing to refer their child to a Student Support Team meeting to discuss concerns and/or request a special education evaluation are encouraged to share their request in writing with their child’s teacher. For elementary school students, a copy should be shared with the principal or assistant principal. For middle and high school students, a copy should be shared with the student’s counselor and the Director of Counseling."

Start with the student's counselor. There should be a tab on your school's website for "Counseling."

Thanks, I will email the counselor.

[Anonymous]

“You may also request a Student Support Team meeting to consider an evaluation for special education and/or Section 504 eligibility if a disability is suspected. To do this, contact the Student Support Coordinator assigned to your school.”
https://www.apsva.us/post/aps-debuts-new-student-support-process/

List of each school’s student support coordinator here:
https://www.apsva.us/special-education/contact-us-2/

[Anonymous]

There’s a form you fill out requesting a student study team meeting. They have to meet within 10 days of your request. Contact the middle school counselor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have your own diagnoses of these issues? I ask because I tried to get APS to recognize similar issues in my child and because child was not acting out in school, they did not test. They met with us and provided "accommodations" to keep us at bay, but they didn't do anything to actually solve and/or treat the problem.

So what I'm saying is, if you have your own diagnoses or can afford to get them on your own, do that and then bring them in as a done deal, rather than wait for APS to act on its own. Remember that your interests and APS's interests are not the same. They want a calm, quiet classroom without interruptions and, as a bonus, your child's success without costly interventions on their part. You want your child to be happy and well-educated and not hurt by the school experience. Do not trust that APS has your child's best interests in mind -- remember that it's your job to look out for your child and do not fall into the trap that the school district is basically on your side. (Learn from my mistakes.)

I agree with this. Our APS counselor told us that they would not do anything for our son unless we went out and did testing on our own. In other words, if you don't have money to hire a professional to evaluate your child, you are in trouble.

[Anonymous]

In addition to your testing, you may need to hire an advocate. APS is the worst place to get accommodations. I don't know how they get away with it.