504 and IEP
To meet students' needs, 504 plans and IEPs are carefully built to provide the least restrictive environment for learning opportunities. Although similar, the two plans are for specific circumstances and not interchangeable. A team is assembled to address the gaps in service that prevent students from equal-opportunity education.
504
A blueprint for how a child will have access to learning at school.
Provides services and changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of the child as adequately as other students.
Derived from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law to stop discrimination against people with disabilities.
IEP
A blueprint for a child'
s special education experience at school.
Provides individualized special education and related services to meet the child's unique needs.
Derived from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal special education law for children with disabilities.
