IEP Vs 504 - Dover AFB,DE

If your son is able to complete grade level work and does not need curricuclum accomodations, then a 504 sounds appropriate. He will still get accommodations for the ADD issues, and his educational goals will be the same as the mainstream students. The 504 accommodations should create a learning environment in which your son can successfully master the mainstream curriculum (doesn't mean it will be easy or he will get all A's, but it means he is expected to perform at grade level). If this sounds like your son, then a 504 is appropriate. From what you say, it sounds like he can handle grade level work with accommodations. Do you think he would do better with math if it were done earlier in the day? Or is there something that will help him stay on-task for the l

ETA: An IEP provides for curriculum accommodations in addition to physical and instructional accommodations. 504s provide physical and instructional accommodations, just not curriculum accommodations. So you can still get extended time on tests, modified homework and classwork, etc with a 504. That is exactly what we are doing for my son. An IEP is not necessarily better, but it does have more legal safeguards. Typically an IEP is only used when a student is unable to perform at grade level because of their disability, even with accommodations(i.e. it gives curriculum accommodations).

Here is the thing, they just can not justify the IEP right now and have moved him to a 504 (in the SAME boat) - HOWEVER this can ALWAYS be re evaluated. Give the 504 some time, see if it is enough and go from there. My son had to change classrooms and everything else regarding his day/week with the change from an IEP, he was in a MLP classroom, to a blended room with the coming of his 504 and he has adjusted well overall.

Contact your local state advocacy center:

www.picofdel.org
Phone: ###-###-####
800 Number: 888-547-4412
Fax: ###-###-####
____@____.com

They may be able to set you up with a parent mentor or counselor who can give you advice and possibly serve as an advocate at an IEP meeting.

I don't have experience with ADD and IEPs, but I know an IEP is way better than a 504 plan, which is just for medical accommodations, not educational accommodations. Plus, IEPs require prior written notice and other due process procedures. I'd say if he's on the border of failing, then his goals probably aren't being met, and the IEP is still required. I don't think they can take away an IEP if the medical condition still exists......

the one thing that jumps at me is that this starts in september i assume. after hes has two months off from school. when he goes back he's going to have a transition period of being back two months from now. i don't know what a %)$ is and what it does but I'd rather have the IEP there and have him have good days rather than a 504 and not be able to accomodate and if it's bad enough to go back have to meet again to reassess, label and fill out paper work. I would want a good year or at least half a year before stating that he has grown out of something or is old enough (not age but his personal mentality and ability) now to handle the issues he has personally on his own.

I have 3 kids, 2 have an IEP and one has a 504 Plan. I'll try to help you with this but my hubs is the expert but he's away at science camp with our daughter. The basic difference is under a 504, they allow accomodations for a child such as wheelchair access, special seating, may need to immediately leave the class without pass, etc. Its more like allowing PHYSICAL accomodations for the child. The IEP is more for INSTRUCTIONAL accomodations, like modified homework and classwork, extra time to take tests, extra directions, special classes, etc. Its also my understanding that IEPs you can *legally* enforce more, meaning the school is legally required to follow it exactly. 504's are more lax. Regardless of what your son has in place, make sure it is VERY detailed and specific and keep in contact with the teacher(s) to make sure they are following it. I hope this helps but google it and you will get a lot of info. Good luck!

Hi, K.:
What did your research help you in deciding whether IEP or the 504 plan
would be the best for your son?

What is it that your son needs in comparing the two plans?
Hope this helps.
D.

Insist on keeping the IEP. The 504 plan alone will not provide your child with counseling services he may need. In addition, you are right, your child will have no social emotional goals, and no academic goals. Moving your child from Special Education may not be a good idea at this time. Please insist on another year to see if your child is then ready to transititon out of Special Education. With the emotional outbursts, the school system will be able to suspend him without a Manifestation Meeting to consider if his behavior was a result of his disability. With a 504, he will be treated and punished like a general education child and his disability will not be considered if something happened. Remember you are the parent and YOU are the one in control. If it doesn't seem right, don't do it. It is not your job to make the school system's job easier. I wish you and your child the best.