Read this article if you want to learn…
- What is a 504 plan?
- How does my child qualify for a 504 plan?
- What accommodations does my child receive through a 504 plan?
- As a parent, what is my role with my child’s 504 plan?
The Skim:
IEP plans and section 504 plans are school-based supports for students with disabilities or impairments, which differ in eligibility as well the type and level of support offered.
Every child deserves an equitable, high quality education. While school-based supports are important and necessary to help meet students where they’re at, navigating this space can feel intimidating for students with disabilities and impairments and their families. Generally, school-based supports fall under either an IEP (Individualized Education Program) plan or a 504 plan. This article focuses on some of the key differences between these and helps provide some context for the type of support they provide.
If you think your child needs extra help at school, contact their teacher or school counselor for more information.
Regular Education vs. Special Education (or ESE)
The most important distinction between an IEP and 504 plan is that an IEP (Individualized Education Program) falls under special education. Conversely, 504 plans are a general education initiative. In fact, the two types of plans derive from a different set of laws altogether. IEPs come from IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) which is a federal special education law. 504s come from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal civil rights law intended to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. Differences in general education and special education include the eligibility process and the level of support received through an IEP vs a 504. Overall, IEPs have more specific rules and stricter legal requirements than 504s.
IEP vs 504: Qualifying for a Plan
In public education, both IEP and 504 plans have specific eligibility criteria. The eligibility process is more involved for an IEP than a 504 because special education services from IEPs require a formal evaluation conducted by the school psychologist. Then an IEP team of professionals uses the evaluation to help determine eligibility for an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) program. There are many types of special education programs, including special education services focused on Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Emotional/Behavioral Disability. Kids have to demonstrate a need for specialized instruction and related services under at least 1 of the 13 qualifying disability categories to qualify for an IEP.
A formal evaluation by the school may not be needed for a 504, although school districts differ in their requirements. In some cases, it is sufficient for the child’s parents to provide documentation of a qualifying diagnosis of a health impairment from their child’s doctor for their child to receive specific accommodations. Kids who don’t qualify for an IEP may qualify for a 504. However, a child cannot have an IEP and a 504 at the same time; IEPs supersede 504s.
IEP vs 504: Support and Accommodations
IEPs and 504s offer formalized help for students with disabilities. Both plans usually include specific accommodations to level the playing field in the general education classroom, such as extra time for assignments and tests and other related services. From there, you’ll find several important distinctions between the two. A 504 is typically less involved than an IEP. Typically, 504 plans must be reevaluated every school year and are implemented only by the classroom teacher to address a child’s unique needs and improve their educational performance.
IEPs take the plan further, dictating specific educational learning goals and assistance with life activities provided by ESE professionals. IEPs also require extensive documentation and reevaluation at IEP meetings. The paperwork can be 10-20 pages or more from a single meeting. This chart provides a helpful side by side comparison of IEPs and 504s.
How Mightier Can Help
While your child is receiving the accommodations they need at school, you can work on skills like emotional regulation and impulse control at home! Mightier is a game-based digital mental health tool that uses biofeedback to teach kids calming skills they can use in real life scenarios. In a survey of Mightier families, 71% of parents said their child’s school-related anxiety had improved and 43% said that their child’s teacher had noticed the emotional/behavioral improvements and had gone out of their way to give positive feedback. Try Mightier with your child and see the results for yourself!
Are you an educator? Check out Mightier for schools!
