It’s possible to have both, but it would be very unusual for your child to need both.

Here’s why: Everything that’s in a 504 plan can be included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP can also provide services and supports that would be not available in a 504 plan. So if your child qualifies for an IEP, typically there is no reason to also have a 504 plan.

One instance in which a school might want to create a separate 504 plan is if a student who has an IEP breaks her hand. She might need some accommodations for a few weeks because she can’t write while her hand is in a cast. If so, the school might decide to put those temporary accommodations in a 504 plan rather than adding them to the IEP.

But typically a child would not have two plans. Frankly, you wouldn’t want both. It can take a lot of time and energy to manage even just one plan.

The big question is this: Does your child meet the eligibility requirements for an IEP? If she does, then everything she needs can be covered by the IEP.

For more information on Section 504 and IEPs:

Article by Lindsay Jones, Vice President and Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, National Center for Learning Disabilities – Understood.org.  Understood.org is a great resource for information on learning and attention issues.