IEP vs. 504 Plan: Which Does My Child Need?
Both Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans provide support for students with disabilities, but they’re fundamentally different tools with different purposes, protections, and eligibility requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial for advocating effectively for your child.
The Quick Answer
📘 IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- Governed by IDEA (federal special education law)
- Requires a specific disability category
- Provides specialized instruction
- Includes measurable goals
- More procedural protections
📗 504 Plan
- Governed by Section 504 (civil rights law)
- Broader definition of disability
- Provides accommodations only
- Less formal documentation
- Fewer procedural requirements
Understanding IEPs
An IEP is a legally binding document developed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To qualify, your child must:
- Have a disability that falls under one of 13 specific categories (such as Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impairment, or Autism)
- That disability must adversely affect educational performance
- Your child must need specially designed instruction to access the curriculum
What an IEP Provides
- Specialized instruction tailored to your child’s needs
- Related services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling)
- Annual goals with measurable objectives
- Progress monitoring and regular reporting
- Transition planning (starting at age 16)
- Strong procedural protections for parents
Understanding 504 Plans
A 504 Plan falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a civil rights law that prevents discrimination against people with disabilities. The eligibility criteria are broader:
- Your child must have a physical or mental impairment
- That impairment must substantially limit one or more major life activities (including learning)
What a 504 Plan Provides
- Accommodations that remove barriers to learning
- Equal access to education
- Modifications to the learning environment
- Protection from discrimination
⚠️ Key Difference: Instruction vs. Access
The fundamental difference is this: An IEP provides specialized instruction—changing what or how your child is taught. A 504 Plan provides accommodations—changing the environment or conditions so your child can access the same instruction as their peers.
Common Examples
When an IEP Might Be Appropriate:
- A student with dyslexia who needs specialized reading instruction (like Orton-Gillingham)
- A student with autism who needs social skills instruction and support
- A student with significant ADHD who needs executive functioning instruction
When a 504 Plan Might Be Appropriate:
- A student with ADHD who needs preferential seating and extended time on tests
- A student with anxiety who needs breaks and a quiet testing space
- A student with diabetes who needs accommodations for medical management
💡 Important Note for South Bay Parents
Some school districts prefer to start with a 504 Plan, even when an IEP might be appropriate. As your child’s advocate, you have the right to request an evaluation for special education if you believe your child needs specialized instruction—not just accommodations.
Which One Is “Better”?
Neither is inherently “better”—the right choice depends entirely on your child’s needs. An IEP provides more comprehensive services and stronger protections, but a 504 Plan may be sufficient if your child primarily needs accommodations rather than specialized instruction.
The key questions to ask:
- Does my child need to be taught differently, or do they need barriers removed?
- Are accommodations alone sufficient for my child to make appropriate progress?
- Does my child need related services like speech or occupational therapy?
What If My Child Doesn’t Qualify for an IEP?
If your child is evaluated for special education but doesn’t meet IEP eligibility criteria, they may still qualify for a 504 Plan. The eligibility standards are different, and many students who don’t meet the specific requirements for an IEP still have disabilities that substantially limit their learning.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
A psychoeducational evaluation can clarify your child’s needs and help determine the right path. Schedule a free consultation.
Get StartedJessica Craig, LEP #4701
📍 Hermosa Beach, CA | Serving the entire South Bay