What's the difference between IEP and 504?

There are significant differences between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). A 504 Plan is developed for students who have a disability, that do not require special education services. An IEP provides a program specialized instruction and supports to access and progress in the curriculum.

How is a 504 plan different from an IEP?

A 504 plan is geared toward ensuring a student has equitable access to a learning environment. An IEP focuses on educational benefits, and often includes direct services such as speech or occupational therapy. Both are free. Some students have both, and some just have one or the other.

Is there a downside to having a 504 plan?

Is there a downside to having a 504 plan? If a student needs a lot of support, a 504 plan does not provide as much support as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). It is important to ensure that the student has a plan that provides all the support they will need to succeed academically.

What is better for ADHD 504 or IEP?

The easiest way to think about the differences between an IEP and a 504 Plan is that, if a student needs accommodations only in a regular classroom, he will generally get a 504 Plan. If the student needs special education services outside of a regular classroom, he will qualify for an IEP.

Is an IEP or 504 better for anxiety?

Students with anxiety may require an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if they require Specially Designed Instruction and/or Related Services to address the anxiety. If a student's needs can be met with only accommodations, a Section 504 Agreement can be implemented.

IEP vs 504 Plan - What's the Difference?

Is an IEP stronger than a 504?

In short, an IEP provides many more procedural protections, and often– but not always– more “direct services” than a 504 plan, but of course that is a highly simplified explanation. Students with both IEPs and 504 Plans have documents from their schools describing their special needs and how the school will meet them.

What are the disadvantages of an IEP?

Variability Across Settings: One of the disadvantages of an IEP is that its effectiveness can differ based on the school environment or the educators involved. Example: A student might receive meticulous support from one teacher, only to transition to another class where the same IEP feels largely ignored.

Is a 504 or IEP better for college?

Whether a 504 Plan or IEP carries more importance in college, the answer is simple: Neither do, as there are no IEPs or 504 Plans in college. Colleges can provide “504-like” accommodations, but the burden of ensuring that any accommodations are provided shifts to your child.

Should a kid with ADHD have an IEP?

Children with disabilities -- including ADHD, autism, and physical disabilities -- can get an IEP if there's evidence the condition affects their ability to succeed in school. An IEP can include either accommodations or modifications.

Do people with ADHD need an IEP?

A doctor or medical healthcare professional could recognize and diagnose ADHD at any age, and some children learn they have ADHD when they are older. If a teenager receives an ADHD diagnosis, they still qualify for an IEP. If they are in high school, they must also join their IEP team.

Does 504 affect college?

In other words, a your daughter's 504 plan doesn't “travel” with her to college. Students can still receive accommodations in college, though. Colleges have to provide accommodations under Section 504. You aren't likely to hear many colleges use the term “504 plan,” though.

Can you be denied an IEP or 504 because grades are good?

Has your child been denied an IEP or 504? It is so common for schools to say that a child is not eligible for special education because the child has good grades or is too smart. The truth is, this is not a valid excuse for denying special education support. Sec.

Does a 504 plan cover anxiety?

A 504 plan is created for a child identified with a disability that ensures they receive accommodations to be successful at school. Students with either physical or mental health conditions – including anxiety or depression – are eligible to develop a formalized 504 plan with their school system.

Why switch from IEP to 504?

But as with an IEP, having a 504 plan in place can help him get disability services in college. The change from an IEP to a 504 plan can mean more independence. It gives your child greater opportunity to use and build his self-advocacy skills while he's still getting support.

Is IEP good or bad?

The IEP process is complex, but it's also an effective way to address how your child learns. If you have concerns, be sure to ask about the evaluation findings or the goals recommended by your child's IEP team.

What is the purpose of an IEP?

The IEP addresses the specific needs and current levels of performance of the student, and sets appropriate performance goals based on the student's current circumstances that will demonstrate that the student is receiving sufficient support to progress toward annual goals.

Do ADHD kids catch up?

This means that for 20%-30% of children with ADHD, ongoing, although belated, brain development eventually improves functioning. The answer to the question of how long ADHD impairments persist past childhood depends on how persistence is defined.

Can a teacher fail a student with a 504 plan?

Can a teacher refuse to implement accommodations that are written into a student's 504 Plan? After the 504 Committee has determined the accommodations that are necessary for a student, teachers are required to implement them. Failure to do so places the LEA in violation of Section 504.

What is the alternative to the IEP?

A 504 plan also provides equal access to education for people with disabilities, focusing on accommodations like the ability to leave the classroom or additional time to take a test. It falls under anti-discrimination laws and is usually much less involved than an IEP.

What do colleges think of 504 plans?

This can lead to an understandable misconception that colleges are following students' 504 plans, but this is not what they're doing. Colleges may provide the accommodations that students received in high school because the students are eligible and the accommodations are considered appropriate.

Why is it called a 504 plan?

The name 504 plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs or activities that receive federal funding (such as public schools or publicly funded private schools).

Is dyslexia a 504 or IEP?

A: Yes, a student with dyslexia could have a 504 plan, and a 504 plan may include everything a student with dyslexia needs to be successful in school– with a few caveats. If the student needs evidence-based reading intervention, they should have an IEP and that service should be listed on the IEP.

Can a child with an IEP be failed?

Yes, a child with an IEP can fail. However, it is rare for children with IEPs to fail classes. While an IEP does not guarantee that a child will not fail, it is unusual for a child with an IEP to fail.

What are the pros and cons of IEP?

Why are IEPs hard to get?

Myth #1: Every child who struggles is guaranteed an IEP.

Fact: To qualify for special education services (and an IEP), students must meet two criteria. First, they must be formally diagnosed as having a disability. This is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).