IEP & 504 Support

"Creativity is the key for any child with dyslexia or for anyone, for that matter. Then you can think outside of the box. Teach them anything is attainable. Let them run with what you see is whatever they need to run with.”

— Orlando Bloom

Attending your child’s IEP or 504 Plan meetings, let alone starting the process, can be overwhelming. It can be intimidating and confusing at times. You may worry about asking the right questions or whether your child is getting the support he/she truly needs. You may have feelings of guilt, worry, fear, sadness, anger, anxiety, or confusion--and all are valid. We want to help you through whatever your process is. Our goal is to make your experience with the IEP or 504 Plan easier for you and your family.

What is an IEP?

IEP stands for “Individualized Education Plan.” It is a formal, and legal, plan that lays out a child’s specific educational needs with goals for meeting those needs. It is designed and intended to provide a child with the needed resources to maximize his/her academic potential and to level the playing field. It is beneficial for all ages, including preschool through high school.

What’s the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?

An IEP focuses on educational benefits, and includes direct services (such as speech therapy or occupational therapy) and specific goals.

A 504 Plan ensures that a child has equitable access to his/her learning environment (e.g., needing to leave class 5 minutes early due to anxiety induced by crowded hallways, etc.). Unlike an IEP, a 504 Plan does not necessarily provide specialized instruction; it typically works well for a student who needs less-restrictive accommodations.

Why might my child need an IEP or a 504 Plan?

A child may need the extra help of an IEP or a 504 Plan for many reasons. Those reasons can include difficulties with social-emotional regulation, challenges with development or learning (e.g., Dyslexia, ADHD, etc.), certain diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, physical challenges (e.g., hearing loss), speech challenges (e.g., Apraxia or speech delays), and more.

How can we help you and your child?

We have professional firsthand knowledge of and experience in these processes, including as social workers with schoolsand as parents of children who need and benefit from IEPs. We will not only help you, your child, and your family emotionally through whatever the IEP or 504 Plan process throws at you; we also can offer practical support, including:

  • Helping in domain meetings

  • Developing IEPs

  • Reviewing assessments and developments

  • Writing measurable, appropriate, and effective goals

  • Exploring implications for sensory needs

  • Collaborating on considerations for accommodations, modifications, and placements

Clinicians with this specialty:

Get in touch.

Contact us for a free 20-minute phone consultation.