Community Forum

Our son is about to enter kindergarten and was diagnosed with Crohn's last September. We are in the midst of trying to decide which environment would be the best for him either a public school or a private school. I know in the public schools our son would have a 504 plan to help protect him. Does anyone know if you have the same rights in a private institution as well?

When I inquired, the private school said they dont have special education teachers on site but they do have people that handle the IEPs and 504s available. I am just wondering if anyone else could provide insite.

 Thanks

 Reply posted for indianamom.

All the response will be different.  The most important thing to remember is that private schools do not get federal funding - therefore, most private schools do not believe they are obligated to assist children with special needs.

 Reply posted for indianamom.

My daughter is in private school.  We kept her there because the public school prefers to isolate children with food allergies.  My daughter also has asthma, juvenile arthritis, uveitis, and now ulcerative colitis (March 2010 diagnosis - though I'm sure she's had it since the JA diagnosis four years ago).  She has enough to deal with that I didn't want her to feel even more "different" by being separated from her classmates at special food allergy tables, not being able to go on some field trips, etc. 

I approached the private school about a health plan.  They won't do the 504 since they do not receive US government funding, but they do receive funding from the French government, so I asked about the French equivalent.  They never completely answered my question about accepting it, but asked me to just send a list of accommodations.  I did and they said they'd be okay with them.  I don't have anything in writing back from them, so I am hoping we don't have any major issues in first grade.

They did say my daughter would fall under ADA laws, but I haven't looked into them yet to see what that would mean.  My biggest concern is if she is out of school too much for illness that they penalize her for the absences.

 Reply posted for AZMOM.

My daughter is in 6th grade and we just implemented a 504 plan a few weeks ago. I feel so much better now that is in place!  She was diagnosed in 5th grade and things were pretty easy as far as making up work and communicating with teachers. Thank heaven for EMAIL :)   Things have been a little harder with her being in middle school so her counselor suggested the 504.  I don't think it matters as far as public or private school == it is the staff that matters.  We have been lucky with excellent teachers and everyone has been more than willing to work with us.  Good luck to you

 Reply posted for indianamom.

Thanks so much for all the advice. I do trust my gut. It is my gut that kept telling me somethig was wrong last Summer with our son.

He does well now but I always want to be prepared.

Thanks again. I feel blessed that I have somewhere I can come for advice and know that I will get educated responses.

 Reply posted for indianamom.

My daughter was attending a private Catholic school when she was diagnosed at 6 years old 4 years ago and in a class of 13 children. They were awesome.  She had faculty restroom privileges and we always were able to work out her homework send home and return with her teachers, always keeping her caught up.  The teachers were very caring and understanding and all worked together.
When her school closed we decided to switch her 2 years ago to a public school with a class size of 350 students!  They are awesome.  They have a school counselor that has worked with us, faculty restroom privileges, and since she has missed 40-50 days of school this year and last, we have a great system of me picking up her homework and getting it back to her teachers.  I bring her in to take tests and she has continued to excel.
It isn't whether it is private or Catholic, I believe it is a good school system with caring personal.  I wouldn't choose one over the other and we have been blessed in both schools.  Meet with the staff and see how you feel.  You can always change if it isn't working for you.  Goodluck! 

 Reply posted for indianamom.

My daughter was diagnosed in 3rd grade. She will be entering 6th grade in the fall and goes to a private Catholic school.  To my knowledge, they do not have any students with 504 plans.  I have not had a problem working with the school or teachers and try to schedule appts. around school breaks.  She had a good year this year with few Crohns related problems so a 504 plan would not have been needed anyway. She was on Remicade and switched to Methotrexate in Feb.  

Even if she needs to stay home from school, I see to it that she stays caught up with her work.  So far (except for pre-diagnosis) her grades have never suffered due to Crohns' and she maintains an A average with maybe one B each grade period. She is active in sports, but she definitely needs an evening nap as she tires easier. Hopefully your son will have more good days than bad.  My daughter's doctor told her that the "bad" days won't be that horrible.  She remembered that and now takes them in stride.

 Reply posted for indianamom.

I agree with AZ mom (we usually do share somewhat of the same opinions).   Follow your gut.  Ultimately, we all want what's best for our children. 

We send our daughter to public school and do not have a 504 in place.   Her principal, school nurse and teachers are aware of her dx.   Lizzie was dx @ 4 and is 10 now.   I know our Board of Ed can get services in place if need be.  Thankfully, we haven't had the need.  I'm good about sending in a "safe" snack (enough for the class) if there is going to be a class party, but they have even cut back on that due to the amount of allergies.  

I do my best to schedule appts, labs, tests, etc. during school breaks, half days, according to the school calendar.  This way I am not ostracizing my own daughter and making her feel "different" and missing school time for regular medical apts etc.   It has worked so far for us.  Every child is unique and they all have different needs, which is where your "gut" comes in.    

I wish you years of successful education (either public or private).  I'm sure you'll do what's best for your little one.  Good luck.

Lizzies Mom

 Reply posted for indianamom.

My daughter attends public school and was diagnosed the summer between her Kindergarten and 1st grade years.  The 504 is an invaluable tool for both the family and the teacher so that you have a plan.  We had an instance last week that the plan wasn't followed and when I brought it to their attention, the situation was immediately rectified (it was a minor, not major thing).  Without that document, I'd have been calling all over the place.