The Difference Between A 504 Plan And An IEP

Many people wonder whether their child should have an IEP or a 504. Let me first define the difference before offering up a more simplified comparison:

IEP: The acronym for Individualized Education Plan enforced in public schools for student with learning disabilities. The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel and students to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities by outlining service minutes, goals, and accommodations specific to the individual student. Annual meetings for goal progress checking, and Triennial re-evaluations are held according to IDEA regulations.1

504: A plan developed by school teams and parents to support the educational needs of a student with a disability that “substantially limits one or more major life activity” such as: learning, speaking, listening, reading, writing, concentrating, caring for oneself, etc. Within the plan accommodations for learning are listed, but rarely will modifications be provided to a student with a 504.2

These definitions seem cumbersome, so here is the reality of the options: * A 504 provides less support overall.
* A 504 is considered when a student has a lower incidence disability.
* An IEP requires the school to do their own assessment regardless of an outside support provider's diagnosis.
* An IEP requires the school to provide personnel and an amount of service minutes.
* An IEP and a 504 both indicate accommodations, however a 504 doesn't have a case manager whose job is to support the facilitation of accommodations.
* An IEP will officially label the student as being a part of Special Education.
* Private schools do not offer IEPs or 504s, however you can request an IEP assessment through the district in which you reside.

Reply to this post if you'd like more advice about which to advocate for from your school for your particular student.

2http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/iep-504-plan/what-is-iep

1http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/iep-504-plan/is-504-plan-right-for-my-child