An Individualized Education Program, (IEP) like a 504, is a document/contract between a school and a student with a disability. The IEP will include accommodations, adaptive equipment and reasonable accommodations so the student can learn. As far as things that are the same between the IEP and the 504, that’s about it.
The IEP is developed by an IEP team. IEPs include resources outside of the classroom, timelines for specific goals, people responsible for the goals, benchmarks and more.
Brief overview:
IEP Team – Student, parent or guardian, teachers, school administrator are required and sometimes: district special education administrator, speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, behavioral health professional, school psychologist, family support partner, advocate and others involved in the student’s school activities.
Resources – Resources rooms, self contained classrooms, therapists, physical therapists, behavioral health professionals, 1:1 assistance, Functional Behavior Assessments
Timelines – there are timelines for everything.
Specific goals are stated, how the goal will be achieved, how long it will take to achieve the goals, how to know when the goal is achieved, who is responsible for helping the student achieve the goals and how it will be communicated with parents/guardians/etc
More – Transportation, nutrition SAFETY PLANS!!!!!
Definitions
Individualized Education Program (IEP) – defined by IDEA “as a written statement for each student with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the specific requirements set forth in the IDEA and its implementing regulations.”
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – federal law that has been in effect since 1975. IDEA requires public schools to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students ages 3-21 with disabilities. IDEA also provides legal protections for these students and their parents.”
Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) eligible students ages 3-21 with disabilities receive education that meets the individualized needs of students with disabilities as as well as the needs of students without disabilities are met, at no cost to the student.
Resource and Self-contained classrooms (see link)
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) comprehensive assessment of a child’s behavior in school, home and other places the child is regularly to determine how a child behaves in different places, what the child’s strengths are, what triggers the child and a plan to assist the child. FBAs can be completed by any mental health professional with 4 year degree or higher.