Parents frequently ask about 504 Plans and IEP’s.
Before getting too far into the weeds, I will respectfully ask the parents if they know the difference between them and what they even are.
A majority of the time, I get a half shrug, coupled with a “not really.”
They’ve been told by their pediatrician or someone in their circle that they should get one, even though it’s not clear to the parent what’s the difference between them and how they are obtained.
In brief, here’s a handy, dandy primer.
504 Plans
- These do not provide services, only accommodations. The provision of extra time is the classic accommodation given. There are about five other typical ones.
- To get a 504, the child needs a diagnosis of a disability stated on letterhead by a medical practitioner.
- The vast majority of children who receive 504 Plans are those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- Once you have the diagnosis on letterhead, 504’s are not all that difficult to obtain.
- 504s are reviewed annually.
IEP (aka Individualized Education Plan)
- To obtain an IEP the child is deemed to be classifiable under special education categories governed by federal law. There are 13 special education categories based on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA. The categories are interpreted somewhat differently depending on the state you reside.
- IEP’s are generated by the determination of the district’s special education team. An outside evaluation may offer a diagnosis, but the school’s team needs to come to their own conclusions based on their assessments.
- The vast majority of children with IEP’s are in the category of Specific Learning Disability (SLD).
- Compared to the relative ease of obtaining a 504, the IEP process can be lengthy and complex.
- Frustrating to many parents, quite often a child may clearly be struggling, yet not found to be eligible for services. (See many of my blog posts under the category of “Special Education.”)
- Different than a 504, with an IEP the child receives some level of service or intervention, along with accommodations.
Takeaway Point
Of course, there’s a lot more to it than what is indicated above, but these points will get you started.