Many parents have questions about their children’s’ asthma, but some of the most common questions about kids and asthma have to do with 504 plans and how schools accommodate a child’s asthma condition.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 plan is simply a contract and set of guidelines between parents and a school on how the school will deal with a child’s disabilities. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma may be considered a disability covered under 504, but with stipulations; the main stipulation being the severity of the child’s asthma symptoms.
Do All Schools Have to Follow a 504 Asthma Plan?
It depends. If the school has or is receiving federal funds, then the school must follow a 504 asthma plan that has been approved and put into place.
It is also important to note that a school may be exempt from individual 504 plans with students if they have a blanket plan for dealing with asthma and effective asthma management policies are in-place.
What is the Difference Between 504 Plan and IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is similar to a 504 plan, but differs in many ways.
- An IEP is a plan for a child’s Special Education Experience at school, versus a 504 plan that addresses a child’s Access to Learning at school.
- According to the Arizona Department of Child Safety: “A 504 plan provides the student with accommodations in their current classrooms. IEPs provide special education services outside of their current classroom.”
- Simply, a 504 plan is for students who have a disability, but do not need a separate special education services; IEP is for students with a disability that need separate special education services.
504 Plan for Asthma and Allergies
Allergies and asthma are commonly intertwined with each other; and both children and adults can have one, the other or both. As such, both asthma and allergies may be qualifying conditions for a 504 plan separately or together – depending on the severity of the affliction and whether or not it is considered a “disability” that interferes with a child’s ability to learn.
How to Start a 504 Plan for Asthma
The very first step in starting a 504 plan with your child’s school for asthma, allergies, or other qualifying disabilities is to assess the severity of the asthma and allergies (required for qualification of 504). An allergist or Pediatric Allergist will help in diagnosing asthma, assessing its severity, and creating the necessary medical records that will be needed later.
How to Write a 504 Plan for School
The 504 plan is a legally-binding contract between parents and a school/caregiver. There is no official federal 504 plan document; instead, this must be written between you the parent and the school. You can use the Asthma Action Plan Sample Below as a guideline for what should be included and where to start.
The main sections needed for a 504 plan for child’s asthma and allergies include:
- Physicians Contact Information
- The contact info of your child’s physician or allergist:
- Doctor Name, Doctor Daytime Phone, Doctor Weekend/Night/Emergency Phone Line and Emergency Contact Name/Number.
- Designation of 3 zones or conditional severities of the disability: GREEN (Go Zone), YELLOW, (Caution Zone), RED (Danger Zone) — acompanied by instructions and medicaiton instructions for each zone. Peak Flow readings and other asthma condition tests should be designated to each zone.
- The contact info of your child’s physician or allergist:
Additionally, School or Child Care Asthma/Allergy Action Plan can further instruct your child care provider or school on asthma/allergy triggers and medication instructions.
Sample 504 Plan for Asthma
We have included links to download both samples of 504 Plan for Asthma, as well as a Child Care Asthma/Allergy Action Plan. These are created by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and can be helpful examples for parents. It is always best to create a custom 504 plan with your allergist/physician and school/child care provider.
Sample 504 Plan for Asthma
Download a PDF HERE >>
Sample Allergy Action Plan for Asthma
Download a PDF HERE >>
Get In Contact With a Local Pediatric and Family Allergist
At Family Allergy Clinic and Wellness Center, we specialize in pediatric allergies and asthma. We specialize in being the physician contact for your child’s 504 plan, and we can help you with the very first step of putting together a plan: diagnosing and assessing the severity of your child’s allergies and asthma symptoms.
