The Big Question: IEP or 504?
Many parents wonder whether their child needs an IEP or a 504 Plan. Both provide legal support in schools, but they serve different purposes. An IEP (Individualized Education Program) provides specialized instruction and sets specific learning goals. A 504 Plan, on the other hand, ensures access through accommodations, like extended test time or movement breaks, but does not include specialized instruction.
Matching the Plan to Your Child
If your child needs therapies such as speech or occupational therapy, or specific teaching interventions to make progress, an IEP is usually the right choice. If your child is performing at grade level but benefits from classroom adjustments, a 504 Plan may be enough. The key is tailoring support to meet your child’s unique needs, not squeezing them into a one-size-fits-all solution.
The Importance of the Team
Just as important as the plan itself is the team working behind it. Your child’s success depends on collaboration among parents, teachers, and specialists. I often suggest starting meetings by sharing your child’s strengths. Highlighting what your child does well shifts the tone from problem-fixing to strength-building, reminding everyone that your child is more than their challenges.
When Plans Need Adjusting
Even the best strategies sometimes stop working. Maybe a routine that worked in September doesn’t fit anymore by February. Or perhaps an accommodation written into the plan isn’t being consistently used. These moments aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to problem-solve. Approaching teachers with curiosity—“I noticed the daily report card hasn’t been coming home, is it difficult to fit into the day?”—often leads to collaboration instead of conflict.
Looking Beyond This School Year
The true goal isn’t just to survive this year. It’s to help children develop lifelong skills such as self-advocacy, organization, and confidence. These tools prepare them not only for school but also for future jobs, relationships, and independence. When parents and schools work together as partners, kids don’t just get by—they grow.
👉 For a deeper dive into how to work with schools and build effective plans, I share more on my Making School Easier series on my Substack site called Help Kids Thrive. I will be sharing tips, videos, and comprehensive articles for my readers there, so don't forget to check it out and subscribe!
