Navigating school resources…. IEP vs. 504 Plan
Iced or hot coffee? Should I wear short or long sleeves? Do I eat what I should or eat what I want? Life is full of choices, some of them easier than others (I, for one, can never figure out the correct shirt to match the NC weather!) As we reach the end of the first marking period of school another question that often crosses our mind is “Am I doing enough to support my child in school?”
Academic workload, social dynamics, peer pressure, and high expectations put on the student from parents, teachers, or themselves can present various challenges. The development of “power skills”, such as good communication, time management and organization are essential for navigating these pressures. But what if a student struggles with this? If they are having a hard time keeping up do they need an IEP, or a 504 (and what is that anyway???), or do they just need to learn to focus? Even as our child’s best advocate, it is sometimes hard to know what exactly is needed.
Both IEP’s and 504’s are governed under federal law, and must be obtained through the school system. Their primary purpose is to ensure students receive accommodations or needed assistance or support during the school day.
To qualify for an IEP a student must have a disability that falls under the 13 federally recognized categories, whereas a 504 Plan can be applied to any medical condition affecting a student’’s ability to learn, as long as it is diagnosed by a medical professional.
“The most common question asked is “What is the difference between the two?””
In short, an IEP provides a wide range of special education services which can include specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more. The services are tailored to the individual needs of the student.
A 504 Plan provides accommodations to ensure equal access to education. These are typically non-instructional supports, such as extended time on tests, preferential seating, or modified assignments, but do not include specialized teaching or therapies.
Even students who do not have an IEP or 504 Plan may still require support to succeed in the classroom. Teachers can assist these students by providing individualized attention and utilizing simple accommodations like breaking tasks into smaller steps or using visual aids.
As with everything, effective communication is crucial, so begin by discussing thoughts or concerns with your child’s needs with their teacher. Additionally, a school counselor is an excellent resource to provide valuable information about IEPs and 504 plans. Remember, these processes may take time to qualify, implement, and evaluate, so continue to be a source of support for your child and you will be on the right path!
