Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Basic Description: A blueprint or plan for a child’s special education experience at school.

What It Does: Provides individualized special education and related services to meet the unique needs of the child. These services are provided at no cost to parents.

What Law Applies: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This is a federal special education law for children with disabilities.

Section 504 Plan

Basic Description: A blueprint or plan for how a child will have access to learning at school.

What It Does: Provides services and changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of the child as adequately as other students. As with IEPs, a 504 plan is provided at no cost to parents.

What Law Applies: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This is a federal civil rights law to stop discrimination against people with disabilities.