Special Education and Section 504 Overview
Grant Parish Public Schools provides special education services, Section 504 accommodations, Child Find referrals, and disability-related supports for eligible students. Families may contact the district to request an evaluation, ask about services, or review parent rights under IDEA, Section 504, and Title II of the ADA.
Special Education Services
Required by 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. and 34 CFR Part 300 — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Grant Parish School Board provides special education and related services to eligible students with disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to families and are designed to meet each student’s individual needs.
For department staff, contact information, and additional special education resources, visit the Special Education Department page.
Eligible Disability Categories
Students may qualify for services under IDEA when they meet eligibility requirements in one or more recognized disability categories.
- Autism
- Deaf-blindness, deafness, or hearing impairment
- Emotional disturbance
- Intellectual disability or multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment or other health impairment
- Specific learning disability
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment, including blindness
Free Appropriate Public Education
Special education services are provided through an Individualized Education Program when a student is found eligible. The goal is to provide access to a free appropriate public education based on the student’s needs.
Related Services and Supports
Related services may include supports needed for the student to benefit from special education. Services are determined through the evaluation and IEP process.
Any parent, guardian, teacher, or other person may refer a child for a special education evaluation. You do not need a doctor’s referral. Evaluations are conducted at no cost to the family.
Families can also review the Child Search page for information about developmental milestones, Child Find for children age 3 and older, Early Steps for children from birth through age 3, and what to do if there are concerns about a child’s development.
Peggy Brunson
Pupil Appraisal Secretary
Grant Parish School System
P.O. Box 208 / 512 Main Street
Colfax, Louisiana 71417
318-627-3274, ext. 1120
Office Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
IDEA Procedural Safeguards
Required by 34 CFR § 300.504 — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The Louisiana Department of Education Procedural Safeguards Notice explains parent rights under IDEA, including the right to participate in IEP meetings, review records, request an independent educational evaluation, and file a complaint.
If you need this document in another format or language, contact the district office at 318-627-3274. Translation and interpretation services are available upon request at no cost.
Seclusion and Physical Restraint
Required by La. R.S. 17:416.21 — Guidelines governing the use of seclusion and physical restraint.
Grant Parish Public Schools follows district guidelines for the use of seclusion and physical restraint. These procedures include safeguards, reporting requirements, and parent notification requirements.
For complete information about seclusion and physical restraint procedures, visit the Seclusion and Restraint Guidelines page.
Section 504 Disability Accommodations
Required by 34 CFR § 104.8 — Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and 28 CFR § 35.106 — Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities may be eligible for a Section 504 Accommodation Plan. Accommodations are based on the student’s individual needs.
Examples of Supports
Common accommodations may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, modified assignments, assistive technology, health-related supports, or other supports needed for equal access.
How to Request a 504 Evaluation
To request a Section 504 evaluation or accommodation plan, contact the district’s Section 504 Coordinator. Requests may be made verbally or in writing.
Denise Young
Section 504 Coordinator / Supervisor of Special Education
Grant Parish School System
P.O. Box 208 / 512 Main Street
Colfax, Louisiana 71417
318-627-3274, ext. 1125
dyoung@gpsb.org
Office Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Special Education Advisory Council
Required by La. R.S. 17:1944.1 — Special Education Advisory Council.
The Special Education Advisory Council provides a way for families, educators, and community members to give input on special education services. The council provides advice and feedback regarding special education policies, procedures, and resources.
The Annual SEAC Report includes the council purpose, members and roles, meeting agendas and minutes, executive summary, how to join, and SEAC handbook information.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Required by 28 CFR § 35.106 — Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 34 CFR § 104.8 — Section 504.
The Grant Parish School Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, or veteran status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.
For the full district nondiscrimination statement, civil rights coordinator contacts, and complaint procedures, visit the Nondiscrimination and Civil Rights page.
File an External Complaint
You are not required to file a complaint with the district before contacting a federal agency. You may file a complaint at any time with either of the following agencies.
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section
Online: ada.gov
Phone: 1-800-514-0301
TTY: 1-800-514-0383
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Online: ocrcas.ed.gov
Phone: 1-800-421-3481
Email: OCR@ed.gov