Going from a 504 to IEP

[Anonymous]

If your child had a 504 ..

- How did you know that it was time to change it to an IEP?
- At what age did you do this?
- What was your experience like with the committee?
- Do you think that the IEP is much better than the 504?


Thank you

[Anonymous]

Is your child not making progress with just accommodations? If so, it is time. You need to collect work samples that would show the adverse effect. The IEP is better if your child needs actual instruction and not just accomodations.

[Anonymous]

OP, I warn you this will be a long post. We have only done the reverse (IEP to 504) but I can share our experience trying to get IEP services. If your child needs intervention provided by the school, not solely accommodations, the IEP is the way to go. Just be prepared for a much more involved process. Get outside evaluations from experts and don't rely solely on the school system's findings. If you think the school will balk at your request, hire an advocate. We lost lots of valuable time trying on our own before we realized how helpful they can be.

DC1: flagged by the teacher in fall of K for speech - took 18 months for school to agree to IEP - transitioned to 504 when speech was terminated in 5th grade (was diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD by then) - 504 was a painless process

DC2: realized when he started bringing home notes from the K teacher that he needed to practice writing, cutting, etc. - private eval found he had very significant hand/finger weakness. IEP was finally put into place in 1st grade. LD became apparent to us in late 1st grade - school finally agreed to eval in 2nd grade and came back insisting he was fine. School ignored our continued concerns and they refused to add on services for LD. Thankfully the 3rd grade teacher raised concerns and suggested private testing - private neuropsych testing confirmed LD. We hired an advocate at the suggestion of the neuropsychologist. The advocate and neuropsychologist both attended our IEP meeting and were successful at securing services in late 3rd grade. By then DC2 was a mess academically and emotionally. We should have done the private testing and hired the advocate when we first noted struggles but everyone (friends/family) encouraged us to try through the school first. That is my biggest regret! Good news is that while his physical disability never improved, the LD did. He is now a happy, confident, successful middle school student.

Just know that IEP services are never a substitute for private. You will likely need to supplement with outside help.