CPS Policies and Procedures

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).

Additional Policies & Procedures

Chicago Public Schools values community input and is committed to listening and reflecting on public comments regarding proposed policies or rule changes. Community members have 45 calendar days to review and provide feedback on proposed policy or rule changes. Below are the current policies and procedures available for public comment.

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.