Schools & IEPs
IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, placement decisions, and how to work with (or push back on) your school district - including choosing a special needs school.
IEP, 504 plan, and school evaluation questions
Special Needs Forum members answer questions about IEP eligibility, 504 plans, school evaluations, service minutes, placement, and what to do when a district says no. Parents often come here after a meeting where everyone used familiar words but nothing felt clear.
Include your state when you can. IDEA is federal, but timelines, consent rules, dispute steps, and practical options can vary. The most useful answers explain what was requested in writing, what data the school used, and what changed after the family asked for Prior Written Notice.
IEP vs 504 plan: what is the difference?
| IEP | 504 plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Law | IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act | Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 |
| What it provides | Specialized instruction plus related services such as speech, OT, or PT | Accommodations and access to the general classroom |
| Who qualifies | A child in one of the 13 IDEA disability categories whose disability affects educational performance and who needs specialized instruction | A child with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity |
| Written plan | Required. The IEP states goals, services, and minutes in writing | The law does not require a specific written format, though most districts write one |
| Progress reporting | Required, on the schedule stated in the IEP | Not required by the law |
| Review schedule | At least once a year, with re-evaluation at least every three years | Reviewed periodically, commonly once a year, and district practice varies |
| If you disagree | Mediation, a state complaint, or an IDEA due process hearing | A district grievance, an OCR complaint, or a Section 504 due process hearing |
Federal law sets the floor. Timelines, forms, consent rules, and dispute steps vary by state and by district, so confirm the specifics with your district or your state parent training and information center.
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