The terms 504 and IEP are often thrown around and sometimes used like they are interchangeable. But is a 504 plan the same as an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)?
Is a 504 Plan an IEP?
The simple answer to “is a 504 plan an IEP?” is no.
A 504 plan is made to give accommodations that can be done within the classroom. These accommodations help make learning more accessible within the general education classroom.
Whereas an Individualized Education Plan is made for students who do qualify for Special Education services. It does include accommodations as well. Yet, it also includes specific services and goals.
What is the Difference Between a 504 Plan and IEP?
So if they are not the same, what is the difference between IEP and 504 plan? There are a few key differences:
A 504 plan is more of an accommodation plan. It is made for students who don’t qualify for special education school services but need additional support. The student is learning the same curriculum as peers and that learning takes place in the classroom.
An IEP is a legally binding document between the parent and school. It gives specific goals and service time to meet those goals. Like a 504 plan, it also has accommodations to help meet a student where they are at to better service learning.
The curriculum could be modified to better meet the students’ needs with an IEP. But the curriculum needs to continue to try to make gains in learning to close the achievement gap.
Also, an Individualized Education Plan element may surround behavior modifications. With an IEP, students who have behavior needs frequently have a functional behavioral assessment. They may also have a behavior plan that explicitly lays out what to do should a situation arise. This can give the student some protection regarding inappropriate behavior and consequences (click here for more information on behavior intervention plans).
Need some support with figuring out tricky student behavior or writing a behavior plan? This FREE 5 step process to writing a behavior plan will do just that. Tell me where to send this freebie step-by-step process and free data collection forms to.
Another difference is how often the plan is looked at and updated. For an Individualized Education Plan, it is mandated that the plan be looked at yearly. At this point, current levels and student need(s) are looked at. New goals are made and services can change depending on need. With a 504, the plan isn’t mandated to be re-evaluated yearly. Instead, they can be termed “periodic” evals. Then it is up to each district how periodic that really is. Although I would like to note that many districts do update 504 plans yearly just like IEPs.
So then what is the Same?
Both plans are similar in that they are to help meet a student’s needs.
They both have accommodations to help the child access the curriculum. These things are helpful to the child in the school setting. Examples of these are sitting close to the teacher or teacher check-in at a certain time of the day.
Both plans should be looked at to see how they are working. This includes changing the plan as the student progresses. Things could be taken out that are no longer needed or added in that weren’t needed before. Plans should be fluid in that they change as the needs of the student change.
Also, both plans should be communicated to all the team members. This includes all staff that works with the student. A great way to communicate this information is using a quick glace sheet. With a quick glace form, you pare down the forms into a quick snapshot of what the student needs to be successful that might be a bit different from peers.
Looking for a quick glace form? This IEP at a glance sheet works well. It contains all the important information that people working with the child need. Simply print out and write in the information, or type directly into this Google Doc. Hello, copy/paste! And since Google Docs are so easy to share, there is no reason that everyone on the team can’t stay in the loop to best meet student needs. Need it for a 504 plan instead of an IEP? No problem, just delete the unnecessary parts in this editable IEP at a glance form.
Can You Have an IEP and 504 Plan at the Same Time?
There would really be no point in having both an IEP and 504.
Both are meant to meet the needs of the student.
Both are meant to help students learn best.
If a student needs more help to gain access to the curriculum (including extra instruction and goals to make gains), then only an IEP would cover that.
More Information Just about IEPs
Need more information about just Individualized Education Plans?
Check out this post on The Ultimate Guide on How to Run an Effective IEP Meeting.
Here you will find the steps to running an IEP meeting like a pro.
More Resources On What Is A 504 Plan Versus An Iep
School Psychologist Files – here is a great graph for all the visual learners out there of the 2 plans compared side-by-side so you can see what are IEP and 504 plans.
Understood – awesome video talking you through is an IEP and 504 plan the same thing in easy to understand language.
Happy Teaching!
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