A free checklist for the 504 plan meeting, and a letter to request it. Takes about 60 seconds to send.
Why a 504 plan
Celiac disease qualifies as a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, so public schools are required to provide reasonable accommodations — it isn't a favor to ask for, it's a right. A 504 plan puts those accommodations in writing so they don't depend on which teacher your child has this year.
You don't need a lawyer or a diagnosis fight to start. You need a written request and a meeting. That's step one below.
1 Send the request
Email your child's principal or school nurse — most districts require the request in writing before they'll schedule a meeting.
Dear [Principal's name],
I'm writing to request a Section 504 evaluation and plan meeting for my child, [child's name], in [grade/teacher]'s class.
[Child's name] has celiac disease, a medically diagnosed autoimmune condition that requires a strict gluten-free diet — even trace amounts of gluten cause harm. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, I'd like to discuss accommodations to keep [him/her/them] safe during the school day, including meals, classroom activities, and field trips.
Could we schedule a meeting in the next two weeks? I'm happy to bring documentation from [child's name]'s doctor.
Thank you for your time.
[Your name]
[Phone number]
Add your child's name, grade, and your contact info before sending.
2 What to ask for
Bring this list to the meeting. Not every accommodation fits every school, but these are the ones families in our community ask for most.
A safe place to store your child's own snacks and safe treats for classroom celebrations, separate from other food
Advance notice of any classroom food event (parties, cooking projects, holiday treats) so a safe substitute can be sent
No food-based crafts or sensory activities your child can't safely touch (dry pasta, Play-Doh with wheat flour, etc.) — or a safe alternative
Hand-washing or sanitizing before meals, and a cafeteria table or area free of gluten cross-contact
Permission to bring lunch from home every day without special approval each time
A written plan for field trips, covering meals and snacks in advance
The plan follows your child to substitute teachers, specials (art, music, gym), and next year's teacher automatically
A named staff member (nurse or teacher) who knows the plan and who your child can go to with questions
A simple way for your child to say no to shared or unlabeled food without feeling singled out
One honest note: a 504 plan is a legal accommodation, not a guarantee — the same way a great restaurant can still have an off day. It gives you a document to point to, and it puts the responsibility in writing instead of hoping this year's teacher remembers. Ask, and keep asking if something slips.
Meeting scheduled? You're already ahead. 💛
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