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Getting Started with an IEP or 504

How does a child get an IEP or 504 Plan?

Someone, usually a parent or teacher, has referred the child to be evaluated for an IEP or 504 Plan.

That is the first step of the IEP process and 504 plan process-evaluations. The evaluation process is different between a 504 vs an IEP.

Flowchart titled "special education referral process" detailing steps from concern identification to eligibility determination, guiding the development of an iep or additional interventions/supports.

Here are some tips on getting started. Once you are first this step of the IEP process, you move on to eligibility and drawing up an IEP or 504 plan.

Once your child has been through the evaluation process, see the flow chart below. And, check back because I am adding the next steps in the IEP process to this page so you can learn what to do next.

Beginner IEP Information

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IEP Progress Monitoring: A Parent’s Guide to Tracking Your Child’s Growth (With Examples!)

A person is using a laptop with an iep document open on the screen, concentrating on program modifications and reviewing sdi examples for iep in the specially designed instruction section.

25 SDI Examples for an IEP, by subject area.

A graphic with colorful alphabet blocks in the background, titled "most common special education acronyms.

35 Frequently-Used Special Education Acronyms Every Parent Should Learn (PDF Chart)

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What is a Special Education Advocate or IEP Advocate or Educational Advocate? And how do I find one?

Level Up your IEP Skills–Use my Proven Tools!

All of our products are created by advocates and teachers, for advocates and teachers–based on feedback and suggestions from YOU!

IEP Evaluation Information

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When should I receive a Draft Copy of the IEP or Evaluations?

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What Do all These IEP Scores Mean, Anyway? How to Understand IEP Evaluations

Iee independent education evaluation and how to request it stack of books

IEEs or Independent Education Evaluations: When, Why and How to Request One

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What Is ADHD Evaluation Like?

Latest IEP and 504 Tips

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Accommodation vs. Modification: What They Really Mean for Your IEP (With Examples)

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8 Things People Think “Fix” Autism, but don’t.

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From Touchdowns to Transition: Will Autism Families Get a New Game Plan?

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Can You Have an IEP just for Behavior? What Parents and Teachers Need to Know.

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How to Get Gen Ed Teachers to Follow the IEP

What Matters More with an IEP– Goals or Grades?

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How to Include Medical Needs in an IEP or 504 Plan

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How to Secure IEP Services in Private Preschool or Daycare Settings.

A woman sits at a desk holding a cup, looking away thoughtfully. Text reads: "impasse: when you and the iep team don’t agree—finding ways to keep moving forward in special education.

The IEP Team Said No—Now What? How to Move Forward When You’re Stuck.

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Multiple Disabilities in IEPs: What It Really Means (and What It Doesn’t!)

What Is the Goal of an IEP? Understanding Its Purpose and Power.

Why So Many FBAs and Behavior Plans Fail

A Trusted Special Needs Resource since 2011

Hundreds of posts. Thousands of IEP Goals and IEP accommodations. Tons of advice and tips after attending 100s of IEP meetings. Since 2011, A Day in Our Shoes has been a trusted resource for both parents and teachers navigating the IEP and 504 process.