IEP vs 504: Which One Does Your Child Actually Need?

Your child is struggling at school and someone told you to ask for an IEP. Or maybe a 504. Nobody explained the difference, including the school.Here's the simplest way to think about it: a 504 changes the environment. An IEP changes the instruction. If your child can learn the same way as everyone else but needs barriers removed, that's a 504. If they need to be taught differently, that's an IEP.But the qualification bars are different heights, and that trips a lot of families up. Your child can be denied an IEP and still qualify for a 504. ADHD can go either way, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.In this video I walk through which one your child actually qualifies for, how to start the evaluation process the right way, the two Maryland deadline clocks most parents never hear about, and what changed in federal special education oversight this summer.On that last part: your child's rights did not change. IDEA is still law. Section 504 is still law. But enforcement capacity did change, and that means your documentation matters more than it did a year ago.CHAPTERS00:00 Your child is struggling and nobody explained the difference01:18 IEP vs 504: the one distinction that matters02:42 Who qualifies for which (and why ADHD goes both ways)04:19 What schools don't usually volunteer about cost06:21 How to request an evaluation, and the two clocks in Maryland07:48 What changed in special education this summer09:47 So which one do you ask for?THE EXACT WORDS TO USE"I am requesting a full evaluation to determine whether my child is eligible for special education services under IDEA. Please treat this as a formal written request."Send it by email. Keep the sent copy. Write down the date. A written request starts a legal clock. A hallway conversation starts nothing.MARYLAND TIMELINES60 calendar days from your written consent to complete the evaluation.And a second clock most parents never hear about: 90 days from the written referral. The referral is the earlier date, so that time is already running.RELATED VIDEOSPublic vs Private School: What Actually Matters When ChoosingShould You Hold Your Child Back Before Kindergarten?I'm a podcast host, not a licensed educator. This is general information to help you ask better questions, not legal advice about your specific child. Timelines vary by state. If you're in a dispute with your district, talk to a special education attorney or advocate.New video every week on the decisions parents actually have to make. Subscribe if you're making these calls right now.#IEP #504plan #specialeducation #ADHD #parenting #IDEA #schoolaccommodations #Maryland #IEPmeeting #parentadvocacy