Special Education and 504 Criteria

The alpha counselors service students eligible under special education or 504 criteria.

Section 504 Students: Section 504 is a broad civil rights law which protects the rights of persons with handicaps in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. These students have a disability, which does not require special education, but still may require accomodations in the regular education classrooms.

IDEA (Special Education): The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a legal mandate for providing students with disabilities an appropriate education in public schools. Students become eligible for services if they need special education and or related services if they fit into one of the categories of disabiltieis recognized in the law.

Both 504 and IDEA require a series of meetings and eligibility criteria must be met.