More than an IDEA: IEP and 504 plans

Pediatric primary care providers commonly care for school-aged children with special education needs. However, results from the Pediatrician Special Education Survey (PSES) revealed that 96% of respondents knew what Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) were, 83% knew what Section 504 individual accommodation plans (IAPs) were, but only 53% knew the difference between IEP and 504 plans.

Pediatric primary care providers require additional instruction on IEP and 504 plans, including their similarities and differences. In addition, pediatric providers would benefit from instruction regarding ways in which to help families request special education evaluations and/or school-based services, as well as navigate the processes.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

  2. Cite the 13 eligibility categories for special education services, according to the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).

  3. Create a letter of support for patient families seeking a special education evaluation through the public school system/intermediate school district (ISD).

  4. Explain the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, including being familiar with terms such as Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET), Review ofExisting Evaluation Data (REED), Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), in order to advise patient families.

  5. Identify Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, associated with Section 504 individual accommodation plans (IAPs).

  6. Explain the role of a 504 plan in supporting children with medical conditions such as ADHD, lead poisoning, etc.

  7. Discuss the similarities and differences between IEP and 504 plans.

  8. Recommend special education resources for patient families.

Dr. Kimberley Levitt is a clinical assistant professor within the division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Michigan. Dr. Levitt completed her undergraduate education at Duke University and medical school at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. She completed Pediatric Residency and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship at the University of Michigan. She is board certified in General Pediatrics and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics. Dr. Levitt’s clinical interests encompass developmental and behavioral concerns in pediatric patients, particularly autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, developmental delays, and disordered sleep.