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CPS Policies and Procedures

The Office for Students with Disabilities has issued updated CPS procedures and guidelines for students referred for or currently receiving special education and/or related services.

The CPS Policies and Procedures below are guidances and resources that are vital to creating the goals, structures, and practices of Chicago Public School’s approach to special education and our students with disabilities.

The 504 Procedural Manual, created as a guidance to the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), as it applies to Chicago Public Schools students, is meant to (1) eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity provided by school districts and other providers that receive federal financial assistance, and (2) ensure that students who are Section 504-eligible have equal opportunities to participate in the district’s educational activities and programs which are equivalent to those of their nondisabled peers.

The IDEA Procedural Manual is intended to provide Chicago Public Schools (CPS) stakeholders with guidance and information on best practices regarding the provision of special education services and supports to students with disabilities. The manual has been developed and revised in accordance with the federal and state mandates summarized below, as well as in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

IDEA Procedural Manual

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504 Procedural Manual

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Previous Procedural Manuals

Below are previous versions of the 504 and IDEA procedural manuals. For access to copies to additional archived procedural documents, please email osd@cps.edu.

Draft Document Final Document Public Comment Period Status Comments Summary
Draft 2024-25 504 Procedural Manual July 30, 2024 -
September 13, 2024
Closed for Comments View Comments Summary of Changes
Draft 2024-25 IDEA Procedural Manual Final 2024-25 IDEA Procedural Manual May 21, 2024 - July 05, 2024 Closed for Comments View Comments Summary of Changes
Draft 2023-24 IDEA Procedural Manual Final 2023-24 IDEA Procedural Manual July 14, 2023 - August 28, 2023 Closed for Comments View Comments Summary of Changes
Draft 2022-23 IDEA Procedural Manual Final 2022-23 IDEA Procedural Manual July 29, 2022 - September 12, 2022 Closed for Comments View Comments Summary of Changes
Draft 2021-22 504 Procedural Manual Final 2021-22 504 Procedural Manual June 25, 2021 - August 17, 2021 Closed for Comments View Comments

Office for Students with Disabilities

773-553-1800

773-553-1801 (Fax)

osd@cps.edu

42 W. Madison St.
Chicago, IL 60602

Have Questions?

Complete and submit this form to provide feedback or request assistance and support for your child on special education topics such as remote learning.

Join the Diverse Learner mailing list to stay informed.

For questions around special education services, please contact the OSD District Representative or Special Education Administrator assigned to your school, Parent Involvement Specialists are also available.

For concerns specific to your child's school nursing services, please review this document. You may also contact us directly using the information below.

Contact Information

School Assignment Services
773-553-1847

Student Transportation
773-553-2860

Nursing Information
(773) 553-Kids (5437)
oshwnursing@cps.edu

SSCA Helpline
773-553-1843