IEP vs. 504 Plan

There are strict legal requirements about who participates

The child’s present levels of academic and functional performance—currently doing in school

Parents also have “stay put” rights to keep services in place while there’s a dispute.

Names of who will provide each service& person responsible for ensuring the plan is implemented

sets learning goals for a child and describes the services the school will give; written doc.

mediation-due process complaint-resolution session-civil lawsuit-state complaint-lawsuit

States do not receive extra funding; fed. gov. can take funding away from programs

Students receive services at no charge.States receive additional funding for eligible students

The disability must affect the child’s educational performance and/or ability to learn

A child has 1 or more of the 13 specific disabilities. Learning/attention issues may qualify

Generally, reviewed each year and a reevaluation is done every three years or when needed

How the child will be included in general education classes and school activities

change a child’s services or placement, school has to tell parents in writing before the change

WHAT LAW APPLIES: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

How the child will participate in standardized tests

Provides services & changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of the child

Any modifications—changes to what the child is expected to learn or know

A blueprint or plan for how a child will have access to learning at school.

A parent must consent in writing for the school to evaluate a child

Basic Description: blueprint or plan for a child’s special ed experience at school

A child has any disability, which can include many learning or attention issues.

Parents can ask the school district to pay for an independent educational evaluation (IEE)

The services-this may include special ed, related, supplementary /extended school year services

student must be reevaluated every three years to determine whether services are still needed.

Doesn’t allow parents to ask for an IEE.

What Law Applies: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The school must notify parents about evaluation or a “significant change” in placement

disability must interfere with the child’s ability to learn in a general education classroom

 gives parents several options for resolving disagreements with the school:

Specific accommodations, supports/services for the child

Provides individualized special ed and related services to meet the unique needs of the child.

The timing of services—when they start, how often they occur and how long they last

Annual education goals for the child and how the school will track her progress

Alternative dispute resolution-Impartial hearing-Complaint to  Office for Civil Rights       

team: familiar with the child & who understand the evaluation data& special services options.