Resources for understanding the IEP and 504 processes, requesting an evaluation, and supporting your child once a plan is in place. The district also outlines its process and timeline under “Special Education Process” on the district website.
Overview of the IEP Process
- What is an IEP and how can it support my child? (PACER)
- IEP rights explained — FAQs (The Arc)
- 10 Basic Steps in Special Education (Parent Center Hub)
- NYS Parent Guide to Special Education & Preschool Special Education
- NYS PTA Special Education Toolkit
- Special Education in Plain Language (timeline)
Acronyms & Definitions
Requesting an IEP Evaluation
If you think your child may qualify for an IEP, email or write the Director of Special Education, Elaine Griessler (egriessler@albany.k12.ny.us), to request that your child be evaluated.
- Explain the difficulties your child is experiencing.
- If your child has a medical diagnosis, attach it to the email.
Overview of the 504 Plan Process
How to request a 504 Plan
Email or write your school principal (who serves as the 504 Coordinator) and the Director of Special Education, Elaine Griessler (egriessler@albany.k12.ny.us), to request that your child be evaluated for a 504 Plan.
- Explain the difficulties your child is experiencing.
- If your child has a medical diagnosis, attach it to the email.
- 504 evaluations follow a “reasonable” time frame — typically 30–60 calendar days.
- The school obtains consent before evaluating your child.
- The 504 committee — at minimum the school psychologist, teacher(s), and parent — meets to assess disability-related needs.
- If your child qualifies, the committee writes accommodations into the 504 Plan.
- The committee reviews the plan yearly, and it can be revised anytime during the year on request.
MTSS — How It Relates to Special Education
The goal of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is to screen early and to give support quickly. It can also help schools tell the difference between kids who haven’t had good instruction in the past and those who truly need special education. A special education evaluation is usually the next step if students don’t make enough progress after 2 rounds of Tier 3. Students reach this point with lots of documentation. This data can be helpful when developing an IEP. Parents and caregivers don’t have to wait for kids to go through all phases of MTSS before requesting an evaluation, though. They can ask for an evaluation at any point.
Once Your Child Has an IEP or 504
Communicating with your child’s team
- Tips for communicating with your child’s teacher and IEP team
- How to collaborate effectively with your child’s IEP team
- Parent-Teacher Conference Guide
Understanding the IEP
- Components of the IEP
- Identifying your child’s strengths
- IEP goal bank
- IEP interventions & accommodations
Extended School Year (ESY)
The CSDA program runs 4 hours a day over 6 weeks (30 days) in July and August, and includes breakfast and lunch. The building location is set annually. District ESY information