504 Plans vs. IEPs: What’s the Difference?
- Jen Bauer
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
If your child is struggling in school, you may have heard of a 504 Plan or IEP (Individualized Education Program), but what do these words mean?
While both are intended to help students succeed, they each serve different purposes and offer different levels of support. Understanding the difference can help you to advocate more effectively for your child’s needs.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. In schools, a 504 Plan ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education by providing accommodations (not modifications) to the general education curriculum.
Examples of 504 Plan accommodations may include:
Extra time on tests and assignments
Preferential seating
Scheduled breaks during the day
Assistive technology
Visual schedules
Accommodations are meant to “even the playing field” by supporting the student without changing what is being taught. Accommodations may also be included in an IEP, but an IEP goes beyond what a 504 Plan offers.
What is an IEP?
An IEP, is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). It provides special education services and individualized instruction for students.
Examples of services that might be included in an IEP:
Modifications to the curriculum
Speech-language therapy
Occupational therapy
Social work services or counseling
Resource room or special education classroom
An IEP also includes accommodations, measurable goals, progress monitoring, and a clear outline of the services the child will receive.
How is a 504 Plan different from an IEP?
Area | 504 Plan | IEP |
Law | Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act | Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) |
Type of Support | Accommodations only | Accommodations + Special Education + Related Services |
Eligibility | Any disability that limits a major life activity | One of 13 specific disabilities under IDEA |
Progress Monitoring | Not required | Required and reviewed annually |
Special Education? | No | Yes |
Evaluation | Less formal - varies by district | Must follow specific timelines and procedures under IDEA and MARSE* |
Progress Monitoring & Review | Progress monitoring is not required; 504 Plans are typically reviewed annually | Progress monitoring is required; IEPs must be reviewed annually, with a reevaluation every 3 years |
*MARSE = Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education
Who Qualifies for a 504 Plan vs. an IEP?
504 Plan: To qualify for a 504 Plan, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., learning, concentrating, communicating). If the student needs accommodations to access the general education curriculum, they may be eligible for a 504 Plan.
IEP: To qualify for an IEP, a student must meet specific criteria under one of 13 disability categories defined by IDEA. Their disability must adversely affect their educational performance requiring specialized instruction or related services to make progress in school. In Michigan, eligibility and services for IEPs are also governed by the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).
Which One Does My Child Need?
504 Plans are ideal for students who don’t need specialized instruction, but do need changes to how they learn or access the curriculum. If your child has a diagnosis such as ADHD, anxiety, or a medical condition that interferes with their learning—but they’re still able to participate in the general curriculum without major modifications—they may benefit from a 504 Plan.
If your child struggles significantly in areas like reading, writing, math, communication, or behavior, and needs individualized teaching, therapy, or behavioral supports, they may be better served with an IEP.
Where To Go From Here:
If you have concerns about your child’s educational needs, a comprehensive psychological evaluation can help determine which type of support plan is appropriate.
Keep in mind that while a private evaluation can offer valuable insights and recommendations, schools are still required to conduct their own evaluation before determining eligibility for a 504 Plan or IEP. A private evaluation can help inform that process and give you a strong foundation for advocacy.
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