Individualized Learning • Accommodations • Support
A Plan Built Around Your Child
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and participate at school. IEPs and 504 Plans help children with disabilities receive support based on their individual needs.
🤝 Understanding the Difference
- IEP (Individualized Education Program): Provides eligible children with specialized teaching, learning goals, and related services.
- Example: A child receives individualized reading instruction, speech therapy, and progress reports.
- 504 Plan: Provides eligible children with accommodations and other supports to help them access learning.
- Example: A child with ADHD receives movement breaks, extra time, or preferential seating.
IDEA is the federal law protecting eligible children’s special education rights.
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) means eligible children with disabilities have the right to a free education that meets their needs. Under IDEA, this includes special education through an IEP. Under Section 504, it includes services and supports for equal educational opportunity.
🔎 Why Might a Child Not Qualify?
Eligibility depends on how a child’s disability affects their education, not just their diagnosis.
- IEP: A child may not qualify if they do not need specialized instruction.
- 504 Plan: A child may not qualify if their condition does not substantially limit a major life activity, such as learning, concentrating, or communicating.
Not qualifying doesn’t mean a child’s challenges aren’t real. Other school supports may still be available.
🔗 Examples of Support Pathways
- Learning: Evaluation → Individualized instruction
- Attention or sensory: Identify barriers → Accommodations
- Communication: Assessment → Speech supports
- Medical: Identify needs → Health accommodations
- Behavior: Evaluate concerns → Behavioral supports
🌱 Working Together
Families and educators bring different perspectives that help shape meaningful educational support.
The goal isn’t more paperwork. It’s the right support for your child.
📌 A Place to Start
Your child’s school can explain evaluation options, eligibility, and available supports. If a plan is already in place, reviewing progress together can help identify what’s working and what may need adjusting.
You don’t need every answer to be part of the conversation.
Note: The Hayden Rose Foundation provides general educational information to help families understand IEPs, 504 Plans, and school-based support. We do not provide legal advice or determine eligibility for services. Educational rights and eligibility decisions are governed by applicable federal and state laws and depend on each child’s individual circumstances. If needed, families may contact their school district or a qualified education advocate or attorney for guidance specific to their situation.
The Hayden Rose Foundation
Families need a map, not another maze.