What is a 504? What is an IEP?
“What is a 504 or an IEP? Why is the school saying my child needs one? How do I get one of those and which one?” In my 15+ previous years of school counseling, I have answered these very questions no less than a thousand times and for a good reason-it’s VERY confusing. There are acronyms galore, processes that are shared and different for each, references to data/numbers, and a million and one forms and consents that are intimidating to people outside of education. I’m here for you. Below, I am going to explain what each means, how students qualify, and how to know if you child can potentially benefit from one of those documents.
504 Plan: This legally binding document protects students with medical, physical, or mental impairments and supports their educational access in the classroom. The purpose of the document typically is to identify to teachers and other staff that there is an impairment and also spells out how to accommodate that impairment. The accommodations detail how to help students level the playing field and provides fair access to the educational environment. Typically, districts require a script from a licensed provider or physician indicating the diagnosis as well as classroom data to determine appropriate accommodations.
IEP (Individual Education Plan): This legally binding document protects students with disabilities that significantly impact their academic functioning, such as a Specific Learning Disability or Other Health Impaired. IEPs are the highest level of academic support in a school, and are only put in place after intensive academic interventions have been provided first. An IEP is considered more significant than a 504 because in addition to accommodations, it also includes individual goals for specialized instruction. Students typically are considered for an IEP when there is non-responsive or slow growth to academic intervention, there is a significant impairment or an outside diagnosis that is prohibiting learning, and/or when a child is requiring significant academic support that they need in relation to their diagnoses.
Why is the school saying my child needs one?
Typically, schools will recommend a 504 OR an IEP if a child is demonstrating the need for significant behavioral, academic, or other intervention that surpasses what a typical peer would need. Classroom data, intervention data, behavior intervention/referrals, and outside diagnoses often prompt this conversation. School personnel also want to ensure that it is legally documented that your child requires support to be successful, so they can be guaranteed help throughout their academic journey as needed.
How do I get one of those?
This is not a question that can be answered without knowing the specifics about your child and reviewing their history, disabilities, medical, and academic records. There are countless eligibilities and specific requirements students must meet for each. Typically, the first step is to submit a request to the school in writing and direct it to the student services team.
If you need help navigating the 504/IEP world, I am here to support your family! Do you have concerns about what the school is telling you and you just want to run it by someone else? Please reach out to me by clicking here to send me a message or at (813) 679-9860.
