What is a 504 Plan vs. an IEP?
504 Plan vs. an IEP: A Parent-Friendly Guide to Understanding the Difference
I’ll do my best to break it down in a way that makes the most sense. No legal dictionary or translator required. Promise! Just the facts, from one parent to another.
If your child is struggling in school and you’ve heard terms like “504 Plan” or “IEP” thrown around like you should know what they mean, you’re not alone and you are most definitely not the only parent wondering and confused by it all. So what is the difference?
Both offer support for your child in educational needs, but in different ways.
A 504 Plan and an IEP, Individualized Education Program, are both designed to assist students with learning challenges and disabilities to be successful in school. They just do it in different ways and are backed by different laws concerning how they are approved, put into place, etc.
What Is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan provides accommodations which are tools and adjustments that help your child learn in the same classroom as their peers. The goal is always to have a child in a least restrictive environment so that learning and socialization can happen as naturally as possible.
Common examples are:
Preferential seating (maybe your child feels more comfortable in the back of the class or closer to the teacher)
Extended time on tests (valuable when your child has no problems with the material but needs extra time processing and formulating a response)
Modified homework
Breaks during class (extremely helpful for a student that gets overwhelmed easily and needs the time and space to regulate their emotions)
Use of assistive technology
It can be a good fit for students with ADHD, anxiety, chronic health conditions, or other diagnoses that may not require special instruction but do require support. However, I will note here that often ADHD and anxiety when paired with other diagnoses like Autism, more support is needed.
What Is an IEP?
An IEP goes a little deeper. It’s for students who need specialized instruction to make progress in school. That might mean time in a resource room, speech therapy, or a one-on-one aide.
IEPs are more structured and detailed. They include:
Academic goals (specific, measureable, achievable, relevant, time sensitive)
Specific services (like occupational, physical, and speech therapies)
Progress tracking (very important to verify interventions are actually working or showing a need for re-evaluation)
Accommodations
Placement information
This plan is developed by a team and reviewed at least once a year. Let me stress two things here: First, YOU are part of this team; YOUR CHILD is also part of this team to the level that they are able. Second, the plan has to be reviewed AT LEAST once yearly, but can be reviewed and updated as needed.
Personal story: I was told once that they only have one IEP meeting per year. THIS IS NOT TRUE.
Which One Does My Child Need?
It really depends on how your child's challenges are affecting their ability to learn.
Does your child may need a little more time on testing and extra days to complete homework assignments? This is likely in 504 territory.
Does your child need different methods or teaching and/or therapies (OT, ST, PT, counseling/behavioral interventions) to help them succeed? This will be in IEP territory.
And if you're not sure? That’s more than okay and actually quite common. Schools are required to evaluate your child to see what supports they qualify for. However, needs can sometimes go unnoticed for a longer amount of time than necessary. You can request that evaluation in writing at any time. This is why being diligent, observant, and advocating for your child is crucial. (take my quiz to see where you are on your advocacy journey and find out what you can do about it)
When I first started this process, I was overwhelmed, frustrated, and tired. But the moment I started to understand the difference between a 504 and an IEP, things started to click. It also helped me see what I wasn't previously seeing regarding my child's need for supports.
MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: I wasn’t failing my child. I just needed the right support system. And you do, too. Understanding the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP is the first step. The next step? Advocating for what your child needs and knowing that you are a vital part of the team.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, I’m here to help. Parent to parent. Advocate to advocate.
You CAN do this. And I’ve got your back. (click here for contact information)
Click here to grab my quick breakdown between 504 and IEP in an easy to read chart.
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