A Guide to IEP and 504 Planning for Families
December 11, 2025
The school year can be exciting and scary, especially for families of children and adolescents with special health care needs. Whether your child already has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, or you are just getting started, now is a great time to make sure your child has the services and support they need to learn and thrive.
At Imagine Pediatrics, we’re here to support you 24/7. We provide medical, mental health, and social care and support for children and adolescents with special health care needs. Day or night. Right from home. We can help you find specialists, complete paperwork, refill prescriptions, help with back-to-school planning, and much more.
What’s the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
Both IEPs and 504 Plans help children who have special health care needs get what they need to learn best in school, but they’re not the same.
| Feature | IEP (Individualized Education Program) | 504 Plan |
| Law | Created under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | Created under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 |
| Purpose | Gives special education instruction (teaching) and supports to help students reach learning goals | Gives accommodations so students can have equal access and opportunity to learning |
| Eligibility | Student must have one of 13 specific disabilities, or categories of disabilities, in IDEA and need special instruction (e.g., ASD, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, deafness, emotional disturbance disorders and more) | Student has any form of a disability that limits major life activities (e.g., learning, walking, seeing, etc.) |
| Services Provided | Special education, therapies (speech, occupational), and personalized learning goals Example: A child with autism receives speech therapy services in school. | Classroom changes like extra test time, seating help, or breaks — no special instruction Example: A child with ADHD is allowed to sit at the front of the class to focus better. |
| Plan Type | A legal and personalized education program | A formal plan for accommodations, not usually for special instruction |
| Team Members | Parents, teachers, special education staff, therapists, and school leaders | Parents, teachers, and often a counselor or 504 coordinator |
| Review Process | Checked every year and fully reevaluated every 3 years | Checked every year and updated when needed |
| Age Range | For students ages 3–21 | No age limit — can apply in K–12, college, or even at work |
| Parent Rights | Know your rights: • You are a member of your child’s IEP team • You can request an IEP meeting at any time • You must receive written notice if any changes are made to your child’s IEP plan | Know your rights: • You must be notified before an evaluation or placement change • You can review and correct your child’s educational records • You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights or request a due process hearing |
Not Sure Which One Is Right for Your Child?
If you’re unsure which plan fits your child’s needs, start by connecting with:
- Their primary classroom teacher
- The school’s Special Education Coordinator (sometimes called the Exceptional Student Education or 504 Coordinator)
- Your child’s primary care provider or specialist (such as a Neurologist, Physiatrist/PM&R, or Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician)
- Your Imagine Pediatrics care team — we can help guide you through the process
3 Things to Do Before School Starts
1. Review Your Child’s Plan
Before the first day of school:
- Read your child’s IEP or 504 Plan. Make sure it’s up to date and still meets your child’s needs.
- If something has changed like a new diagnosis, medications, a new school, or your child’s basic needs you can ask for a meeting to update the plan. Meetings to discuss evaluation or changes to the goals and requirements of the IEP plan can be done at any point in time.
2. Get Organized
Keep a folder or binder with:
- Your child’s IEP or 504 Plan
- Evaluation reports
- Notes from doctors or therapists
- Emails, letters, and progress reports from the school. This makes it easier to speak up when you need to.
3. Reach Out to the School
- Contact the teacher, school nurse, social worker, ESE specialist (if they have one, not all schools have an ESE) or the counselor if possible. We recommend doing this during the school’s Open House, which typically happens before school begins.
- Ask if they’ve received your child’s plan.
- Let them know about any medical, emotional, or educational changes, like changes in medication or new social challenges.
Starting the conversation early helps everyone work together from day one.
What If My Child Doesn’t Have a Plan Yet?
If your child has special health care needs that affect their learning, you have the right to ask for an evaluation.
Here’s how:
- Write a letter or a group email to the teacher, social worker, ESE specialist (if they have one, not all schools have an ESE) or the counselor and request an evaluation for special education (for an IEP) or accommodations (for a 504 Plan).
- The school must respond within a set number of days.
Each state has different timelines and steps. Here’s a quick look:
| State | IEP/504 Request Info |
| Florida | Schools must respond to a parent’s written request within 30 days. More info: FLDOE ESE |
| Texas | After a written request, schools must give parents a notice and consent form within 15 school days. Learn more: SPEDTex |
| Washington, D.C. | The school must respond within 5 business days and complete the evaluation within 60 calendar days. See: OSSE Special Education |
| New York | Submit a written referral; after parent consent, the school must complete the evaluation within 60 calendar days. More info: New York Education Department |
| Georgia | After parent consent, the school must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days. More info: https://gadoe.org/ |
| Louisiana | Schools must complete the initial evaluation and IEP/placement plan within 30 calendar days of eligibility determination. https://doe.louisiana.gov/ |
| Missouri | After a written request, schools must give parents a notice and consent form within 15 school days. Learn more: https://dese.mo.gov/ |
| North Carolina | After a written request, schools must give parents notice and consent within 45 school days. Learn more: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/ |
Tips for IEP and 504 Meetings
- Bring someone with you (a friend, family member, or advocate).
- Write down questions ahead of time.
- You know your child best, speak up and share what’s working and what’s not.
- Take notes and ask for a copy of anything the team discusses.
- Don’t sign the IEP or 504 Plan if you do not agree with it or do not understand it.
If a plan isn’t working during the school year, you don’t have to wait until next year. You can ask for a meeting at any time.
Imagine Pediatrics Is Here for You
We know that managing your child’s health and education at the same time can be stressful. But you’re not alone. Your Imagine Pediatrics care team can:
- Be your advocate during IEP and 504 Plan meetings
- Share educational materials as well as caregiver led courses that will leave you feeling confident and prepared for IEP + 504 evaluations and meetings
- Provide information to the school (with your permission)
- Coordinate care with therapists and specialists
We’re here 24/7 to help you support your child.
Helpful Resources
National Resources
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
COPAA helps parents and caregivers of children with special health care needs to work together with schools to make sure their child’s education plan meets their needs. Their goal is for every child to have the same chance to learn as other students.
Members get training, advice, and tools to help them understand their child’s rights under special education laws. Membership is not free, but families with financial need can join for as little as $5 a year.
Members can access:
- 24/7 online help and advice from advocates, lawyers, and other families
- A members-only library and directory of professionals
- Mentoring for new attorneys
- Weekly discussion groups and discounted training sessions
Website: Join COPAA – Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc.
Child Neurology Foundation
This group helps children with neurological conditions, and their families get the best care and support possible. They offer education, one-on-one help, and information about school support for children with special health care needs.
This guide explains how to prepare for the school year, how to set goals in an IEP, what accommodations and modifications might look like, and how to work with your school team all year long.
Florida
Florida Department of Education – Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Main hub for IEP guidelines, procedural safeguards, and family resources.
Family Network on Disabilities (FND)
Offers 1:1 support, webinars, and help navigating the IEP process.
- Website: https://www.fndusa.org
Georgia
Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2P GA)
A free statewide program that connects families of children with special health care needs. Offers one-on-one parent matches, training, and workshops to help parents advocate for their children.
- Website: https://www.p2pga.org/
Georgia Department of Education – Special Education Services and Supports
Official site for IEP timelines, family rights, and forms.
- Website: https://www.p2pga.org/
Georgia Advocacy Office
Provides free legal help and advocacy for families. Helps parents understand their child’s rights under IEPs and 504 plans.
- Website: https://thegao.org/
Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Education – Students with Disabilities Resources
Main website for IEP and 504 information. Includes the Louisiana IEP Handbook for Students with Exceptionalities.
- Website: https://doe.louisiana.gov/
Exceptional Lives Network
A free resource that walks parents step-by-step through IEPs and 504 plans. Offers easy-to-follow guides, webinars, and printable checklists.
- Website: https://exceptionallives.org/
New York
New York State Education Department (NYSED) – Parent Resources
Official source for IEP and 504 information, family rights, and complaint forms.
IncludEnyc
A free NYC-based organization that helps families understand IEPs, 504 plans, and their child’s rights in city schools.
- Website: https://includenyc.org/
Texas
SPEDTex (Special Education Information Center)
State-supported helpline for families with questions about special education and IEPs. Offers free resources, call-in support, and materials in English and Spanish.
- Website: https://www.spedtex.org
- Phone: 1-855-773-3839
Texas Project FIRST (Families Information Resources Support and Training)
Designed by parents, for parents, with state-specific guidance on every step of the IEP process.
- Website: https://www.texasprojectfirst.org
VELA Families
A nonprofit that helps families of children with special health care needs through free classes, support groups, and community events.
- Website: For Families | VELA | Austin, Texas
Washington, D.C.
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) – Special Education
Official source for laws, IEP timelines, family rights, and support in the district.
Office of the Student Advocate (DC State Board of Education)
Offers direct support, a school support hotline, and special education navigation tools.
- Website: https://sboe.dc.gov/studentadvocate
- Hotline: (202) 741-4692
Missouri
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Refer to the DESE website for official guidelines regarding IEP’s and 504 plans.
- Website: https://dese.mo.gov/
MO Family & Community Partnerships (MO F&CP)
MO F&CP offers guidelines and organizations to help support Missouri families navigating IEPs and 504s.
- Website: https://mofact.org/
- Phone: (573) 636-6300
North Carolina
NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)
NCDPI provides official and state policies.
- Website: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/
- Phone: (984) 236- 2100 100
Disability Rights NC (DRNC)
DRNC is the federally designated protection and advocacy agency for the State of North Carolina.
- Website: https://disabilityrightsnc.org/
- Phone: (919) 856-2195
We’re Here for You and Your Child
Imagine Pediatrics is dedicated to improving the health and lives of children with special health care needs. We provide 24/7 virtual and in-home care and support. Our integrated medical, mental, and social care is personalized to meet the needs of your child. We don’t replace your child’s current care team. We work with them to give your child more access to the specialized care they need, whenever they need it. Our services are often at no cost if they are part of your child’s existing health plan benefits. Learn more about us here or call us (833) 208-7770.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.