Tips to Equip Video: IEPs and 504 Plans (Part 2)

WRITTEN VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

The Ins and Outs of IEP’s and 504 Plans: How do you know which one your child needs?

(Continued from previous video.)

Also, there are substantially more protections under the IEP. There are protections regarding assessments, such as timelines for conducting the assessment once the district receives consent from the parent; there are discipline procedural protections,; there are requirements regarding parent notifications on assessments and IEP meetings; and parental consent requirements before an IEP can be implemented.

The Bottom line: 504 plans are most appropriate when the student has a physical or mental disability that does not directly interfere their ability to learn.

The 504 Plan is not a consolation prize. If a district suspects a child needs a special education program, they should assess for that and not just automatically give the student a 504 plan.

And if the student doesn’t qualify for an IEP, the district should consider whether the student does or does not qualify for a 504 plan. This might mean that additional assessments are necessary to determine 504 eligibility.