Start Here
What do you need help with today?
Pick the line closest to your situation. Each one leads to a short set of next steps instead of the whole library.
- I'm new to all of thisA short orientation to the process, the vocabulary and the first useful hour of work.
- I'm trying to understand IEP vs. 504What each plan generally involves and which questions clarify the conversation you are in.
- I have an IEP meeting coming upGather documents, write down what you are seeing, and walk in with a few real questions.
- I have a 504 meeting coming upWhat 504 meetings usually cover and how to describe the barriers you are seeing.
- My child already has an IEPUnderstanding the document you have, following progress, and keeping a usable record.
- My child already has a 504 planKeeping track of whether accommodations are actually happening.
- Something has changed, or the plan doesn't seem to be workingDocument what you are noticing before you ask the team to revisit anything.
- I need to organize school records and communicationA place for every document, and a record of every conversation.
- I'm preparing for an annual review or reevaluationPull the year together: progress, what changed, and what you want discussed.
- I think I may need more helpThe kinds of help that exist, and what to have ready before you reach out.
The shape of the process
Figure out which conversation you are in
Schools use 'IEP' and '504' in the same breath. Knowing which plan is being discussed changes what to prepare.
Gather what you already have
Report cards, teacher emails, an old evaluation. Pulling it together is the single most useful hour you can spend.
Write down what you are seeing
Specific observations — what, where, how often — give the team something concrete to respond to.
Prepare a few real questions
Three or four questions where a real answer would change something beat a long list every time.
Keep a record after the meeting
Decisions, owners and dates. That is what makes the next meeting easier than this one.
Go deeper
IEP Basics
What an IEP is, who is on the team, and how the process usually moves.
504 Basics
How a Section 504 plan works and where it differs from an IEP.
IEP vs. 504
A plain-language side-by-side to help you understand the two paths.
Preparing for a Meeting
Questions, documents and a calm plan so you walk in ready.
Understanding Evaluations
What reports tend to include, and what you can ask about them.
After the Meeting
Turn decisions into next steps, follow-ups and a clear record.
Important note
This site provides educational information, organizational tools and printable resources. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, any school district, government agency, attorney, law firm or advocacy organization. For advice about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.