Let me just start with–this is waaaaayyyy more information than you will read in one day, one week or even longer.
You don’t have to read them all today, or ever. Some won’t apply to your situation.
But, it’s important that you start. Advocacy is not one big grand gesture or meeting–like this fantastic meeting and you finally walk out with an amazing IEP. That’s not how advocacy works.
It’s small steps, small bites of information, small actions.
One article, one email, one meeting, another article, a webinar….and that is how you build a solid IEP.
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.
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.
- How to get an IEP
- How to get a 504 Plan
- What Special Education Evaluations should I ask for?
- How to Request Special Education Evaluations
- How long does a school have to do Special Education evaluations?
- What is an IEP?
Once your child has been through the evaluation process, see the flow chart below.
A Trusted Special Needs Resource since 2010
This site brings together hundreds of articles, IEP goals, and accommodation ideas—created through years of real-world experience supporting both parents and educators. The resources here are shaped by what actually comes up in IEP and 504 meetings, and are designed to help you find clear, practical information when you need it.