IEP vs 504 Plan | What is the difference?

IEP and 504 Plan: What’s the Big Difference?

Type of Support:
IEP: Provides accommodations and special education for students with special needs.
504 Plan: Provides benefits but no private tuition.

Legal Basis:
IEP: Under the IDEA, special education laws have strong statutory protections. Program
504: Except for section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Civil Rights Act provides for equal educational opportunity.

Eligibility:
IEP: The student must meet 13 disability categories, and the disability must have a significant impact on their ability to learn. Program
504: Students are eligible if they have a disability that severely limits one or more essential life activities, even if they do not require special education.

Parents’ responsibilities:
IEP: Parents are considered equal partners in the plan and must participate in all meetings. Program
504: Parental involvement is encouraged but may not be routine or frequent.

What should parents think about?
At EmpowerKidz, we encourage parents to ask these important questions when deciding between an IEP and a 504 plan:

Does your child need special education or just accommodations?

If your child needs significant changes in the curriculum, an IEP is more likely.

How does your child’s disability affect his learning ability?

For students with mild disabilities or conditions that do not affect learning but require accommodations, the 504 plan may be adequate.

What are your long-term goals? 

IEPs provide effective and personalized assistance, while 504 programs focus on removing barriers to equal access.

How EmpowerKidz helps parents through this process?
At EmpowerKidz we are committed to helping parents advocate for their children’s best interests. Whether you are going through an IEP or a 504, we are here to provide guidance, education and advocacy:
Training and Resources: We provide training on the differences between an IEP and a 504, helping parents understand their rights children and choices.
Meeting Preparation: We help you prepare for IEP and 504 meetings by reviewing assessments, clarifying goals, and identifying key points.

Advocacy: Our team can attend meetings with you, ensuring your child’s needs are understood and met.
Personalized Support: Provides a personalized assessment and intervention plan that fits your child’s education plan, whether it’s an IEP or 504.
Parent Resources: If you need more information about IEPs and 504 plans , here are some useful resources:
Wrightslaw: Complete information. on special education law and advocacy (www.wrightslaw.com).
Understood.org: Resources for parents of children with learning and attention problems (www.understood.org).
Education and Information Center (PTI): These centers offer free support to help parents navigate the IEP program and 504

At EmpowerKidz, we believe that knowledgeable parents is an authoritative parent. Whether your child needs an IEP or a 504 plan, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, making sure your child has the support they need to succeed in school..