A 504 plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are both educational plans designed to provide support and accommodations to students with disabilities. While there are similarities between the two, they have distinct differences:
Similarities between a 504 plan and an IEP:
- Both plans are developed to ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
- Both plans are legally binding and require schools to provide the necessary accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
- Both plans are created through a collaborative process involving parents, teachers, and other school staff.
Differences between a 504 plan and an IEP:
- Purpose: An IEP is a blueprint or plan for a childs special education experience at school, providing specialized instruction and related services. A 504 plan, on the other hand, is a plan for how the school will provide support and remove barriers for a student with a disability, focusing on accommodations and access to the learning environment.
- Evaluation: An IEP requires a comprehensive evaluation by a team of professionals, while a 504 plan requires an evaluation that looks at the student's medical history, academic performance, and any other relevant information to determine if the student meets the eligibility criteria.
- Goals: An IEP includes specific academic and functional goals for the student, while a 504 plan does not.
- Services: An IEP provides specialized educational services, such as individualized instruction, related services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy), and sometimes even placement in a special education program. In contrast, a 504 plan focuses on accommodations and support within the general education setting.
In summary, an IEP is more comprehensive and provides specialized instruction and services for students with disabilities, while a 504 plan focuses on accommodations and access to the learning environment for students who do not require specialized instruction.
