We finally got an IEP established in late February for my son, but I've seen some people refer to 504 Plans. How are they different from an IEP? My son is also a cancer survivor, if that makes any difference. Does he need both an IEP and a 504 Plan?
Hello fitzkidsmom :)
I am a former Special Ed Director, as well as a parent of a son with Autism - crazy world. Just a quick response to your question --
If you have an IEP in place, then anything that might have gone into a Section 504 Plan would be incorporated into that IEP. The IEP essentially "trumps" a 504 plan. It has more teeth, so-to-speak.
The 504 plan is not much more than a simple agreement between the school and family that describes basic "accommodations" the school agrees to provide. It does NOT provide for specialized services. Whereas the IEP provides for those accommodations AND the specialized services that are required in order for you child to progress and benefit from school.
So, if an IEP is in place, there is no need for a 504 - it doesn't "add" anything more to what the IEP should already be providing.
Hope this helps :)
Yes this is why if they want to switch you from an IEP to a 504 you do not let them. They are trying to cut your services
acoding?
I think 504 is a permanent in school records.?
@A MyAutismTeam Member - That was a perfect explanation. Thank you so much! I feel good now knowing we have an IEP. My son has been given some special accommodations such as the use of a calculator in Math and the option to take his SOL tests in a separate location such as the library. Thank you for answering my question!