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Patients who require time away from school for treatment of their eating disorder may qualify for a 504 plan and less commonly for an IEP. This may provide additional support at and outside of school to ensure that the patient’s learning is not significantly compromised because of their treatment. Examples of accommodations and resources are copies of classroom notes, ability to submit assignments online, and extended deadlines for projects/exams. Non-learning related support such as supervision during meal times at school may also be available in some schools. Caregivers should discuss their concerns with the student’s guidance counselor and/or school administrators who can help devise an individualized plan that best fits the need of the student based on available resources.
IEP | 504 Plan | |
|---|---|---|
Basic Description | A Plan for a child's special education experience at school. | A plan for how a child will have access to learning at school |
What It Does | Provides individualized special education and related services to meet the unique needs of the child. | Provides services and changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of a child as adequately as other students. |
What Law Applies | The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Federal special education law for children with disabilities | Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Federal civil rights law to stop discrimination against people with disabilities |
Who is Eligible | A child with one or more of the 13 specific disabilities listed in IDEA. Learning and attention issues may qualify. The disability must affect the child's educational performance and/or ability to learn and benefit from the general education curriculum leading to the need for specialized instruction. | A child with any disability, which can include learning or attention issues. The disability must interfere with the child's ability to learn in a general education classroom. Section 504 has a broader definition of a disability than IDEA. A child who doesn't qualify for an IEP might still be able to get a 504 plan. |
Who Creates the Plan | An IEP is created by an IEP team that must include:
| Less specific than IEP but generally includes:
|
What is in the Plan | Sets learning goals for a child and describes the services the school will provide. It's a written document and includes:
| No standard 504 plan. Doesn't have to be a written document and generally includes:
|
How Often It's Reviewed and Revised | The IEP team must review the IEP at least 1x/year Student must be reevaluated every 3 years to determine whether services are still needed | Generally reviewed each year and a reevaluation is done every 3 years or when needed |
Parent Notice | When the school wants to change a child's services or placement, it has to tell parents in writing before (prior written notice). Notice is also required for any IEP meetings and evaluations. | The school must notify parents about evaluation or a "significant change" in placement. Notice doesn't have to be in writing. |
Parent Consent | A parent must consent in writing for the school to evaluate a child. Parents must also consent in writing before the school can provide services in an IEP. | A parent's consent is required for the school district to evaluate a child. |
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Reviewed by PL MD Behavioral Health Committee, JW MD Patient Education Committee.