Section 504
Section 504 Procedural Safeguards
Laurel Public Schools provides procedural safeguards to ensure that students with disabilities and their parents are afforded all rights guaranteed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and applicable federal regulations.
These safeguards apply to decisions involving the identification, evaluation, educational placement, and provision of accommodations and related services for students who have, or are believed to have, a disability.
Parent Consent
Laurel Public Schools will obtain written parental consent before conducting an initial evaluation to determine a student's eligibility under Section 504.
Parents will be informed of the purpose of the evaluation and the information that will be considered before eligibility is determined.
Parent Refusal
If a parent declines consent for an initial Section 504 evaluation, the district will consider the student's educational needs and determine the appropriate course of action consistent with federal law.
Parents may also refuse the initial implementation of a Section 504 Plan. The district will continue to provide general education services available to all students.
Procedural Safeguards
Parents and eligible students have the right to:
- Receive written notice regarding identification, evaluation, eligibility, placement, and significant changes in services.
- Review educational records related to decisions made under Section 504.
- Participate in meetings regarding evaluation, eligibility, accommodations, and placement.
- Request an impartial due process hearing regarding decisions made under Section 504.
- Be represented by legal counsel or another representative during an impartial hearing.
- Appeal the outcome of an impartial hearing through the procedures established by law.
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Notification
Laurel Public Schools will provide parents with written notice whenever the district proposes or refuses to:
- Conduct an initial evaluation;
- Determine eligibility under Section 504;
- Develop, revise, or discontinue a Section 504 Plan;
- Make a significant change in placement or services.
Important Terms
Equal Access
A qualified student with a disability has the right to participate in and benefit from school programs, activities, and services equal to those provided to students without disabilities.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Under Section 504, eligible students are entitled to a free appropriate public education. FAPE consists of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the individual educational needs of students with disabilities as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students are met.
Educational Placement
Placement refers to the educational setting and services in which a student receives instruction and supports under Section 504.
Reasonable Modifications
Reasonable modifications are changes in school policies, practices, or procedures that allow a qualified student with a disability equal access to educational programs and activities, unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the program.
Related Aids and Services
Related aids and services may include accommodations, health services, counseling, transportation, assistive technology, behavioral supports, and other services necessary to provide equal educational opportunity.
Questions or Requests for Assistance
Parents with questions regarding Section 504 rights, evaluations, accommodations, or procedural safeguards may contact:
Christina Petersen
Director of Special Education & Student Services
Section 504 Coordinator
(406) 628 - 3360 ext. 3311
christina_petersen@laurel.k12.mt.us
Parent Resource
For additional information regarding Section 504, parents may review the U.S. Department of Education's Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504:
https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-