Questions to consider

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• If you’re new to school supports

  If you’re new to school supports, you may be wondering if your child’s struggles are serious enough to need a 504 plan. Here are some questions to help you think about this:

  • What led you to think about getting a 504 now? Was it something a teacher said, or has your child brought up struggles at school?

  • Are your concerns new, or have you been worried for a while?

  • Does homework take hours and often end in tears?

  • Is your child anxious about school, or asking to stay home because it feels too hard?

  There’s no official checklist for “serious enough.” But if you're worried, that’s usually reason enough to look into it. You don’t have to wait. Talk to the school or your child’s health care provider about what you’re seeing, and ask what kind of support might help.

• If your child started with an IEP

  If the school is recommending your child move from an IEP to a 504 plan, you’re not alone. A lot of kids make this transition. It means the school team believes your child has made real progress and no longer needs specially designed instruction.

  It’s OK to feel unsure, and it’s OK to feel proud of that progress too. A 504 plan can still offer a lot of support through accommodations and services.

  Ask the school:

  • How have your child’s needs changed?

  • Why does the team think your child no longer needs an IEP?

  • Can your child return to an IEP if they are struggling with a 504 plan?

  These are fair questions to ask even if you agree with the school. But if you don’t agree, you have the right to challenge the decision. To learn more, see the dispute resolution section of our IEP Guide for Parents.