Special Education Advocacy

Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 plans are written documents that are put into place by the school to outline how a child with a disability will learn within the classroom. Accommodations or services are customized for each child depending on whether the child qualifies for special education. These accommodations or services provide the best environment for the child to succeed. Both medical and educational needs are covered; however, an IEP is managed more closely than a 504 plan.

The way in which a child will qualify for services is the main difference between the two options. It is important to note that not every child with a disability will qualify for an IEP or 504 plan. 504 plans help children who do not qualify for special education services but still require accommodations such as special seating, extra time on tests or time to make-up work due to missing class for doctor appointments. Under IDEA, an IEP requires that a student be fully evaluated for special education services in areas such as memory, cognitive functioning, executive functioning, reasoning, verbal and non-verbal communication, behavior, math, reading and/or writing skills. This evaluation paints a more precise picture the child’s strengths and challenges within the school environment. Once testing is completed, a team including the school psychologist and parents will devise special goals and outcomes in the areas a child needs extra help with. These goals are measurable and reviewed by the IEP team (including parents) annually. During this annual IEP meeting, goals will be adjusted and new measures put in place as the team recognizes areas of change. An IEP places the child into the special education system based on their testing scores and requires that they receive specialized instruction to make progress in school. A 504 plan does not require the child to test into services, but rather provide accommodations your child needs to succeed in the classroom.

The concerns of children and the specific needs to be successful in an academic environment will depict which plan would be better for them. For example, speech services twice a week versus needing preferential seating in the classroom to minimize distractions.

When the student is able to function within the regular classroom environment with accommodations put into place, a 504 plan is the least restrictive.

When the student with a qualified disability requires more than just a few accommodations, an IEP is the better choice as specific services are put into place to monitor and evaluate the progress.

As a parent, write a brief letter to the school describing the academic concerns you have for your child, listing examples and areas of concern. This letter needs to request that the school begin the assessment process for special education. Date and sign the letter before giving it to the school.

Assessments can cover health and development, intellectual abilities, motor abilities, vision, hearing, language function, general abilities, academic performance, social and behavioral issues and/or self-help and vocational abilities and interests. The assessment should be comprehensive enough to identify all of your child’s special education needs.