If you’re a parent new to special education, you’re probably wondering what IEPs and 504 plans are. An individual education plan, or IEP, is a plan that details what kinds of support and services your child will receive as a special education student. The first step is to have an IEP meeting with teachers, school administrators, IEP case manager, and those who performed evaluations for your child. The initial meeting aims to determine if your child qualifies for special education and an IEP. To qualify for an IEP, your child must have a qualified disability under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).. These include autism, deafness, developmental delays, intellectual disability, and speech impediments. Your child’s disability must also hinder his academic progress.
After the team decides that your child qualifies, they will create a detailed IEP for him. This may be a separate meeting that is scheduled for another date. But what if your child can’t obtain an IEP? Then, a 504 plan could be the answer. Let’s discuss how a 504 plan works.
What Is a 504 Plan?
An IEP is a specialized plan designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities, but a 504 plan provides necessary accommodations to students with learning challenges. Unlike IEP plans, 504 plans are not designed for placement in special education. Rather, 504 plans assist students with learning disabilities in general education settings by giving them accommodations such as longer times on exams, assistive technology for assignments, seating changes, and class schedule adjustments. Also, unlike IEP plans, 504 plans are not legal documents and are not required to be carried out by law.
To qualify for a 504 plan, you don’t need to have a major disability as stated in the IDEA act.. The criteria is broader. A student also doesn’t need an evaluation. He instead receives this plan based on teacher recommendations, his past academic performance, current struggles, and sometimes a report from his pediatrician or specialist as well as the parents’ suggestions. Here is how you can navigate IEPs and 504 plans.
Learn About Your Child’s Rights Regarding School Discipline
According to a report titled The State of Learning Disabilities, students with IEPs and 504 plans often get suspended. The study centered around a Texas report that found that 97% of students with these designations were suspended for non-violent behaviors such as disruptive offenses in the classroom. Schools are not required to suspend these students for non-violent behaviors, but suspensions often occur. Federal law states that schools can’t suspend certain students if their behaviors are symptoms of their disabilities. Research what your child’s rights are regarding school discipline.
Navigating IEPs
Here are some ways you can prepare for your child’s IEP meeting. Write a list of concerns and questions you have for the team. These questions include:
- What are the main goals of today’s meeting?
- What are my child’s academic and social strengths and how can I support them at home?
- Could you describe a typical school day for my child?
- How is my child making progress toward his IEP goals and in which areas does he still struggle?
- What changes to the IEP plan would you recommend for him to reach his goals?
- How will his progress be measured and monitored?
- May I see his latest assignments, tests, grades and special projects?
- May we include social-emotional learning in the overall IEP goals?
You also want to bring various documents with you to the IEP meeting. These include:
- IEP folder or binder
- Your child’s most recent grades
- IEP summary
- Most recent assessments and evaluations from your child’s therapists
- List of current and future accommodations your child will benefit from.
About Least Restrictive Environments
During your IEP meetings, you may hear the term “least restrictive environments.” This means that your child should be placed in the general education classroom as often as possible and not automatically be placed in separate classrooms unless necessary. One example of this is having a paraprofessional in the general education class to assist your child. Your child may also benefit from school-based speech and occupational therapy.
Bring A Loved One for Support
This could be your spouse, parents, your child’s pediatrician, or a lawyer representing special needs families in cases involving the school system. This person may provide deeper insight into your child’s academic and social needs. The information they give can also assist the team in creating the best IEPs and 504 plans. Your loved one or advocate can also ask questions you never considered.
What If I Disagree With the IEP or 504 Plan?
Sometimes you’ll disagree with your child’s IEP or 504 plan, and here are some steps you can take. The first step is to schedule a meeting with your team regarding your concerns. For example, if you believe your child needs more reading and speech intervention at school, present examples of any challenges he’s having in these areas to the team. Or maybe the school rejected your request for an IEP or 504 plan. In this case, you can request a new evaluation. While you wait for approval, speak with your child’s teacher about ways to accommodate your child to reduce his stress.
The team might revise the plan as they hear your concerns and suggestions. If this happens, your child wins and he receives the necessary support for success in school. However, if the team refuses to do so, hire a third-party mediator who will hear both sides and suggest a compromise between you and the team. The last resort would be to file a complaint with your state.
Types of Accomodations and Services in IEPs and 504 Plans
Here is a list of common accommodations and services that come with IEPs and 504 plans:
- Sensory breaks
- Extended time on tests
- Recorded lessons for later reference by students
- Homework modification
- Read-aloud tests
- Changes in seating to reduce distractions in class
- Usage of computers to take notes during instruction
- Visual aids and supports
- Speech and occupational therapy
Your child deserves a detailed IEP or 505 plan that helps him thrive academically and socially. With these tips and information, you’ll be prepared for your next meeting with your child’s team.