As a parent of a kiddo with special needs, it can get pretty frustrating to figure out all the bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo; especially when you’re fighting for your kiddo to get the support they deserve. With so much confusing jargon, advocating for your kiddo with special needs can be intimidating—one of the biggest sources of confusion? IEP vs. 504 Plans. *Sigh* Trust us when we say we’ve been there. That’s why we wrote a Parent’s Guide to IEPs vs 504 Plans – to make things easier for parents like you. Below, we break down these bad boys into easy-to-understand terms. Because supporting your kiddo doesn’t have to be all mumbo jumbo.
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IEP vs 504 in Simple Terms
An Individualized Education Program (or IEP) is like a personalized roadmap for your child’s education. It’s a document to ensure your child gets the specific support and accommodations needed to succeed in school. Think of it as a “special education plan” tailored to your child’s unique needs.
On the other hand, a 504 plan is more like a “general support plan” to help your child access the same curriculum and opportunities as their non-disabled peers. It outlines accommodations and modifications to make sure your child has a level playing field and can participate fully in their education.
| Aspect | 504 Plan | IEP |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Ensures a student has equitable access to a learning environment. | Focuses on educational benefits, often includes direct services such as speech or occupational therapy. |
| Services | For students who have a disability that does not require special education services. | For students with disabilities who need specialized instruction and related services. |
| Level | Serves students at both the K–12 and college levels. | For students in grades K–12. |
| Cost | Provided at no extra cost to families. | N/A |
What is an IEP?
An IEP is a special plan for your kid and their unique needs, like extra help with reading or writing. Think of it like a legal bodyguard for your kiddo. The main difference between a 504 vs IEP is that an IEP is a plan with learning goals and services that are unique to your child’s needs based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Below we’ll answer a few of the most common questions surrounding IEPs.
Who Qualifies for an IEP Plan?
If a student has a disability that makes it hard to keep up in class, they might be eligible for an IEP vs a 504 plan. First off, an IEP is a special program that gives them extra help and accommodations to make sure they can keep learning. To determine if a student is eligible for an IEP, the school district will look closely at their records and maybe give them some tests. They’ll be looking to see if the student has any of the 13 types of disabilities outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Those are:
- Autism
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairments
- Specific learning disability
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment, including blindness.
But even if a student doesn’t have one of those specific types of disabilities, they can still qualify for an IEP vs a 504 if their disability affects their education. The final decision on whether or not a student is eligible for an IEP is comes from a team that includes the student’s parent, teacher, and school administrator. They’ll take all the information from the evaluation and decide what’s best for the student.
More » 7 Tips for a Great IEP Meeting
What’s a 504 Plan?
If you have a kiddo who doesn’t qualify for an IEP there’s still help available via a 504 plan. The difference between an IEP vs a 504 is that a 504 plan can accommodate unique learning styles of people who aren’t protected by IDEA. 504 Plans are for students who have a disability but don’t need special classes. It’s a plan that helps them have the same opportunities as other students by making some changes, like extra time for tests or using special tools. Check out these commonly asked questions about 504 plans:
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Who Else Qualifies for a 504 Plan (vs an IEP)?
Like we said, when considering a 504 vs an IEP, students with ADHD are better off going for a 504 plan. What if your student isn’t diagnosed with ADHD? They may still be eligible! Students can get a 504 plan if they have animpairment that limits major life activities, like learning, walking, talking, or breathing. Some other examples of conditions or impairments that may qualify a student for a 504 plan include:
- Chronic health conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
- Allergies
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Food allergies
- Speech and language impairments
As you can see, your kiddo’s impairment doesn’t necessarily have to be a diagnosed condition, it just needs to impact your kid’s ability to access the curriculum or participate in school activities!
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IEP vs 504 Plan, Explained!
So, to sum it up, an IEP is a more specific and in-depth plan for children eligible for special education services, and a 504 plan is a more general plan for children who may not be eligible for special education services but still need support to access the curriculum. Interested in learning how Goally can help your child with either plan? Schedule a demo with a live human today.
FAQ’s About IEP vs 504 Plan
What does IEP stand for? IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. It is a legally binding document that outlines the specific learning needs, goals, and accommodations to help your child succeed in school. Who is eligible for an IEP? Your kiddo could be eligible for an IEP if they have a disability that affects their ability to access the curriculum and requires accommodations. Who writes an IEP? The IEP team. This team works together to assess your child's needs and develop an appropriate plan to support your kid's education. The IEP team typically includes the parent, teacher, school administrator, and other specialists What should I ask for in a 504 meeting? In a 504 meeting, ask for clarification on the process! Discuss whether or not the plan's working, ask what resources are available to support your kid, and even request specific accommodations. What are some 504 accommodations examples? 504 accommodations can include longer test-taking time, a quiet testing environment, using notes or a calculator during exams, and having a designated class helper. Is ADHD protected under Section 504? Yep! Since it's considered a disability, ADHD is protected under Section 504.
This post was originally published on 02/02/2023. It was updated on 02/02/2024.
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