Knowing the DIfferences Between IEP and 504 Plans

Sep 12, 2024

Blu McCormick

As a parent, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their education. If your child has a disability or learning difference, you may have heard about IEPs and 504 Plans. But what exactly are they, and how can they help your child? Let's break it down in simple terms.

What are IEPs and 504 Plans?

Individualized Education Plan (IEP): An IEPis a detailed and legally binding document for public school students who require special education. Governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), an IEP outlines specific educational goals for the student and the services the school will provide to help achieve those goals.

504 Plan: Named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a 504 plan ensures that a child with disabilities has equal access to education. Unlike an IEP, the accommodations are for students in general education classrooms, without needing special education services.

Key Information on IEP’s

To qualify for an IEP, your child must have a diagnosis that aligns with one or more of the thirteen disability categories specified by IDEA. This includes:

Autism
Deafness
Deaf-Blindness
Emotional Disturbance
Hearing Impairment
Intellectual Disability
Multiple Disabilities
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment (including Blindness)

Development and Content

The IEP is developed by a team including parents, teachers, school district representatives, and the special education providers. An IEP typically contains:

The child's current performance levels
Annual goals
Special education services
Necessary accommodations and modifications
Methods for tracking and measuring progress
For students 16 or older, a transition plan for their next stages of life may be included

Review Process

IEPs are reviewed annually (yearly) to ensure your child is making progress in their goals. This is the usual schedule of review, but you are always able to request a review at any time! Progress reports are shared with parents, and if necessary, adjustments to their program can be made.

Key Information on 504 Plans

504 Plans cover a much broader range of disabilities in comparison to an IEP. Any child that has a physical or mental disability that limits them in any day to day activity can qualify for this plan. This includes any condition, temporary or permanent, that impairs the child within a wide spectrum that includes but is not limited to:

Learning
Reading
Concentrating
Thinking
Communicating
Seeing
Hearing
Walking
Breathing
Performing manual tasks
Caring for oneself

Development and Content

A 504 Plan typically begins with a referral from a parent or teacher when there is some sort of concern in regards to the child's progress and performance in school. The child is then evaluated through comprehensive screenings that focus on their educational needs. This can include reviewing their academic performance, medical history, or observations from the parents or teachers. After this review, the team determines if the child is qualified for the 504 plan or not. With the approval, the plan will be created by a team including parents and education professionals.

504 Plans do not require special education. Instead, this plan focuses on accommodating your child in a general classroom setting rather than a specialized education. The child needs support and accommodations rather than new placement. These accommodations can include:

Extended time on tests
Preferential seating
Modified assignments
Assistive technology
Behavioral interventions
Access to counseling services

Your child will be reviewed regularly to keep track of progress and to ensure that the accommodations are aiding them in the academic journeys. If progress has slowed and more accommodations are recommended, a reevaluation can be done to update your child's 504 Plan.

What Are the Major Differences Between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

AspectIEP504 PlanFocus13 disability categories requiring special educationAny disability in a general classroom settingContentDetailed goals, services, and accommodations within the programfocuses on support and accommodations that support your child's access to educationFormalityMore formalized, highly detailed and tailored specifically for the studentLess formal while providing accommodations and modificationsTransition PlanningCan include transition plans for students depending on their ageDoes not include information on transition planningLegal BasisIDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Real-Life Example

Sarah, a 10-year-old w/ x struggled with reading and writing. After evaluation, she qualified for an IEP. The plan included specialized reading instruction, extended x, and use of x. With these accommodations, and the support of Expert IEP, Sarah’s reading skill improved by x!

Legal Aspects

Both IEPs and 504s are legally binding, and parents have specific rights in the process. As a parent, you have the right to:

Be involved in all meetings about your child
See all of your child’s school records
Disagree with the school’s decisions and ask for changes!

Overall

IEP’s and 504 Plans are both essential tools to ensure your child can receive the proper education that they need. Learning the differences between the two is key in helping them grow and develop for their future. Here at Expert IEP, we focus on empowering the parents of children with learning differences with our new AI and Machine Learning platform that optimizes the IEP process. Our goal is to provide the proper tools and resources necessary to improve the educational outcomes and support for our children.

Remember parents, you are your child’s best advocate. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and be involved in your child’s education plan.