What is a 504 Plan?
504 plans are formal plans developed by a team to give kids with disabilities support with academics and/or behaviors. Described as any condition that limits daily activities in a major way.
504 plans are covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act .
504 plans are covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act .
Is 504 part of Special Education?
504 plans are not part of special education and they are different from IEPs.
504 plans and IEPs are covered by different laws and work in different ways (Learn more about the difference between IEPs and 504 plans).
504 plans provide accommodations . For example, they might give extended time on tests or the ability to leave the classroom for short breaks or accommodates such as:
Accommodations don’t change what kids learn, just how they learn it.
While not as common, 504 plans can also provide modifications . Unlike accommodations, modifications do change what a student is taught or is expected to learn. Students might get fewer homework assignments, for instance. Or they may be graded in a different way than their classmates.
504 plans are not part of special education and they are different from IEPs.
504 plans and IEPs are covered by different laws and work in different ways (Learn more about the difference between IEPs and 504 plans).
504 plans provide accommodations . For example, they might give extended time on tests or the ability to leave the classroom for short breaks or accommodates such as:
- Changes to the environment (like taking tests in a quiet space)
- Changes to instruction (like checking in frequently on key concepts)
- Changes to how curriculum is presented (like getting outlines of lessons)
Accommodations don’t change what kids learn, just how they learn it.
While not as common, 504 plans can also provide modifications . Unlike accommodations, modifications do change what a student is taught or is expected to learn. Students might get fewer homework assignments, for instance. Or they may be graded in a different way than their classmates.
How do students get 504 plans?
To get a 504 plan, there are two requirements:
An evaluation for a 504 plan isn’t always as comprehensive as one for an IEP. But a review of schoolwork, medical records, and other pertinent documents will occur. School staff will also want to talk with and observe your child, as well as interview you, your child’s teacher, and other school staff.
After the evaluation, school staff will meet with you to decide if your child qualifies. If your child qualifies, you’ll move to the next step. Once your child qualifies for a 504 plan, a team will be formed consisting of school staff and parents/guardians to create the written plan.
To get a 504 plan, there are two requirements:
- A child has a legal disability.
- The disability must interfere with the child’s ability to learn in a general education classroom.
An evaluation for a 504 plan isn’t always as comprehensive as one for an IEP. But a review of schoolwork, medical records, and other pertinent documents will occur. School staff will also want to talk with and observe your child, as well as interview you, your child’s teacher, and other school staff.
After the evaluation, school staff will meet with you to decide if your child qualifies. If your child qualifies, you’ll move to the next step. Once your child qualifies for a 504 plan, a team will be formed consisting of school staff and parents/guardians to create the written plan.