The Difference in an IEP and a 504

IEP: A blueprint or plan for a child’s special education experience at school

504: A blueprint or plan for how the school will provide support and remove barriers for a student with a disability.

IEP: Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

504: Section 504 of the Rehabilitiation Act of 1973

IEP: Students who meet the two requirements for special education services (have a disability covered under IDEA and have that disability affect their ability to succeed in the general curriculum of the school)

504: Have ANY disability that interferes with learning, reading, communicating, or thinking.

IEP: specific people required by law, including parent, general ed teacher, special ed teacher, school administrator

504: group of people who know the student well enough to help him/her, like classroom teachers, parents, counselors, etc.

IEP: specific list of elements required by law, including current status, goals, markers for progress, accommodations, modifications, placement (regular or special classroom), etc.

504: list of accommodations to help the student succeed in the general ed classroom

IEP: states get extra money to help school provide services for special education students

504: no extra funds provided to schools, but schools can lose other funding if they don't provide services. IDEA money cannot be used for 504 services.