Students in United States schools have the right to access educational activities that are comparable to what their peers receive, even if they have a disability or condition that may limit their participation. Sometimes families of young children discover that they have a condition when they have trouble with certain school activities. In these cases, an evaluation may be necessary to determine a child’s specific condition. Other times, when a child has a known disability or medical condition, their school staff will recommend specific accommodations and work with their caregivers to create a plan.
There are two different types of accommodations for children who need them: 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Both were created to ensure an equitable educational experience for children with disabilities. However, that’s about where their similarities end. The types of disabilities that qualify children for assistance, the types of services covered, and the process for creating and implementing a plan for each child are different.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key differences between 504 plans and IEPs.
What are the key differences between 504 plans and IEPs?
504 plans are provided under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law is a civil rights act protecting all students with disabilities. IEPs were created based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), which protects students who need special education services. An IEP is a plan for special education, while a 504 plan only includes accommodations that don’t require specialized instruction. IEPs are written plans with measurable goals, and the student’s progress toward them will be assessed at least once a year. 504 plans may not be written, and they don’t include measurable goals.
The following are some other important differences between 504 plans and IEPs:
- Children with any condition that impairs a major life function may qualify for a 504 plan. To qualify for an IEP, children must have one of 13 specific types of disability.
- The team that creates an IEP must include a caregiver, a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a school psychologist or specialist, and a district representative who can approve school resources. There are fewer rules about teams that create 504 plans. These may include caregivers, teachers, and the school principal.
- The school must always get written consent from a caregiver before evaluating, implementing, or changing an IEP. Schools are also required to obtain consent before evaluating a child for a 504 plan, and they must inform families of any changes.
What's a 504 plan?
A 504 plan is a federally protected agreement between school staff and caregivers. It concerns the accommodations a student will need to have an appropriate educational experience. For instance, a 504 plan might include reduced homework assignments, preferential seating, or modifications to after-school activities. Section 504 only protects individuals in programs that receive federal funding. In the 2017-2018 school year, 1.38 million students were served solely under Section 504.
Children with any kind of disability or condition may benefit from a 504 plan. These may include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), asthma, diabetes, a broken bone, or surgery. A 504 plan gives children the materials and resources they need for an equitable experience. However, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll have the support or the strategies they need to make use of these accommodations. These children may benefit from Executive Function coaching.
What's an IEP?
An IEP is a special education plan created to ensure that students with specific types of disabilities are getting an appropriate education. This legally enforceable plan includes measurable learning goals, accommodations or modifications, how progress will be measured, and any additional support services. Support services may include special education, counseling, speech therapy, physical therapy, medical services, and more.
Not all children with IEPs need to be separated from their class for instruction. Some will need to spend a portion of their day in a special education classroom. This allows them to work with smaller groups and receive more one-on-one attention from teachers. Children with IEPs will join their class whenever possible, for instance, during lunch, gym class, and art classes. About 7.3 million students with disabilities or 14% of total public school enrollment qualified for IDEA services in 2019-2020.
The 13 types of disabilities outlined in IDEA are:
- Autism
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment
- Specific learning disability
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment including blindness
Does my child need an education plan?
If your child has a disability or condition that limits their participation at school or their academic performance, they may need a plan for accommodations. Section 504 plans and IEPs are not one-size-fits-all. Your child’s condition is one factor among many that will help determine what their plan will look like. Regardless of which laws apply to your child, you’ll meet with a group of staff and specialists at their school to discuss the best ways to meet their specific needs. The team will consider their academic, functional, and socio-emotional strengths and needs.
Explore Executive Function coaching to help your child take full advantage of their 504 plan or IEP
Often, 504 plans and IEPs only cover what your child needs to succeed academically. They need Executive Function skills to know how to use those tools and accommodations to study, learn, and complete different tasks. Many students need a unique and personalized approach to master Executive Function skills. However, these skills can be taught, learned, and applied for success.
At Beyond BookSmart, we offer one-on-one Executive Function coaching services. Our coaches can help your child with skills like time management, organization, working memory, and many more. Beyond BookSmart services can help your child reach their fullest potential with personalized coaching for their personal strengths, learning differences, and emotional challenges. Download our School Success Kit to learn more about Executive Function skills and how to help your child improve them.
Could your child use some extra support to get the full benefit of the accommodations they’re receiving at school? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an inquiry call. Let’s talk about a new approach to success in the classroom and beyond.
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