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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 hte 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:
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Less specific than IEP but generally includes:
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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:
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No standard 504 plan. Doesn't have to be a written document and generally includes:
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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. |
504 Plan vs IEP
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