504 vs. IEP

What's the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP?

A 504 Plan is a written plan that describes how a school will provide support and remove barriers for a student with a disability.  It changes the learning environment to enable students to learn amongst their peers.  

In order to get a 504 Plan, a student must meet two requirements: 

                    1. The student has any disability.  

                    2. The disability must interfere with the student's ability to learn in the                                general education classroom.

A 504 Plan is created by a team of people familiar with the student.  This team may include the child's parent/guardian, general education teachers, special education teachers, guidance counselor, nurse, and the school principal.

A 504 Plan generally includes the following information:

                    1.  Specific accommodations, supports, or services for the student

                    2.  Information regarding who will be providing such services

                    3.  Information regarding who is responsible for ensuring the plan is                                     implemented.  

An IEP is a detailed document that provides individualized special education and related services to meet a student's unique educational needs.   

In order to get an IEP, a student must meet two requirements:

                    1. The student has one or more of the 13 disabilities listed in IDEA.

                    2. The disability must affect the student's educational performance                                    and/or the ability to learn and benefit from the general education                                  curriculum.  The student must need specialized instruction to make                              academic progress.  

An IEP is created by the Child Study Team and must include the student's parent/guardian, at least one of the student's general education teachers, at least one of the student's special education teachers, related services providers, and a district representative/case manager.  

An IEP must include the following information:

                    1. Present levels of academic and functional performance

                    2. Goals and objectives specific to individual needs

                    3. List of services the student will be receiving, including frequency and                           duration 

                    4. How the school will report on the student's progress

                    5. Accommodations and/or Modifications

                    6. Participation in district/state assessments

                    7. Information regarding how the student will be included in general                                 education classes/activities.