Exceptional Education & 504

Child Find is a statewide effort by the Alabama State Department of Education and the Department of Rehabilitation Services to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities from birth to age 21. It is the responsibility of the Albertville City School System to development and implement procedures that ensure all children within its jurisdiction, birth to age 21, regardless of the severity of their disability and who needs special education and related services, are identified, located and evaluated.

How does Child Find Work?

Early intervention and special education services work closely with community service agencies, parents and local school systems to locate children with disabilities. A toll-free number is provided to parents or other persons interested in information about referring a child from birth to age 21.

Why is Child Find Important?

It helps the child, the family and the provider to plan appropriate services and link families to services for students meeting eligibility requirements in the following disability areas:

• Autism
• Deaf-Blindness
• Developmental Delay
• Emotional Disability
• Hearing Impairment
• Intellectual Disability
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Specific Learning Disabilities
• Speech and Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment

Who to contact?

Albertville City Schools seeks to find any child residing within Albertville City who is gifted or has a disability, or a perception of a disability, who may be in need of special services. This Child Find is in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. If anyone knows of a child who is between the ages of 3 and 21, who may need to be evaluated for special services, please call Albertville City Schools Special Education Director Candi McCullars at (256) 891-1183 or email cmccullars@albertk12.org. 

You can also use the appropriate statewide toll-free numbers listed below:

• Birth through 2, 1-800-543-3098
• Ages 3-21, 1-800-392-8020
• Alabama Relay Service, 1-800-548-2547

Our Gifted and Talented Education is known as GATE. At GATE, we believe that every gifted child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Our GATE program is designed to challenge, inspire and nurture exceptional students, providing them with the advanced educational experiences they need to thrive.

Gifted students are those who perform at, or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at, high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using the state-mandated process.

For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of aptitude, characteristics and performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.

To make a referral, contact the gifted specialist at your child's school.

Special Education records collected by the Albertville City School System related to identification, evaluation, educational placement or the provision of Special Education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for five years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, completes his or her educational program at age 21 or moves from the district. 

This notification is to inform families and former students of Albertville City School System's policy of destroying special education records upon the expiration of five years from the date the services end. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state and federal law unless the parent/guardian or adult student notifies the Albertville City School System otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but they may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc.

This serves as a written notice to parents and former students that the destruction of special education records for students, regardless of age, who have not received special education or gifted services in the Albertville City School System for five or more years, will take place after the first day of May each year.

A legal guardian, or former student if age 19 or older, must contact ACS Exceptional Education Department to arrange pick up of records.  Records MUST be picked up prior to the first day of May of the calendar year. Albertville City Schools Exceptional Education Department is located at 107 West Main Street, Albertville, AL 35950. The office contact number is (256) 891-1183.

We are dedicated to supporting families of exceptional students on their journey towards success. We understand that navigating the educational landscape can be daunting, especially when your child has unique needs. Whether you're seeking guidance on advocating for your child's rights, exploring intervention strategies or connecting with support networks, our resources cover a range of topics to address the diverse needs of exceptional students. 

• ADMH Autism Services Application: Autism services are available for Medicaid-eligibile children and young people from birth to age 20 with autism who require more intensive support. 
• Catch 'Em Being Good Flyer: This flyer provides helpful guidelines for encouraging appropriate behavior.
• Positive Feedback and Ignoring: This flyer provides useful tips and techniques for maneuvering positive and negative behaviors.
• Sleep Hygiene for Children: This flyer provides helpful information on best practicies for creating positive sleep patterns for children.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including public schools. This law ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education and are not discriminated against due to their disabilities. 

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is a formal plan developed by schools to give students with disabilities the support they need. Unlike an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is tailored for students requiring special education services, a 504 plan is for students who need accommodations in their regular educational classes. These accommodations help remove barriers to learning and ensure students have the same educational opportunities as their peers.

Eligibility for a 504 Plan

To qualify for a 504 Plan, a student must have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, reading, communicating and thinking. Common conditions that might qualify for a 504 Plan include ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy and mobility impairments, among others. 

Developing a 504 Plan

The development of a 504 Plan involves collaboration between school staff, parents and the student (when appropriate). The process includes:

1. Evaluation: The school evaluates the student to determine if they have a disability that qualifies under Section 504. 
2. Team Meeting: A team, including parents, teachers and school administrators, meets to discuss the student's needs and develop the plan. 
3. Plan Creation: The team outlines specific accommodations and support tailored to the student's needs. 

Examples of 504 Accommodations include:

• Classroom Adjustments: Preferential seating, additional time for tests or permission to record lectures. 
• Testing Accommodations: Extended time on tests, taking exams in a quieter setting or using a computer for written responses.
• Physical and Health Support: Access to the nurse's office, permission to eat snacks for medical reasons or modified physical education activities. 

Rights and Responsibilities

Under Section 504, students and their families have certain rights, including:

• The right to a free and appropriate public education. 
• The right to participate in and benefit from public school programs without discrimination. 
• The right to be informed about decisions affecting their child's educational accommodations and services. 
• The right to an impartial hearing if they disagree with the school's decisions.

Requesting a 504 Plan

If you believe your child may need a 504 Plan, start by contacting your child's teacher, school counselor or principal. You can request an evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for accommodations under Section 504.

Resources

• A Parent's Guide to Section 504 in Public Schools