504

The 504 plan offers all children with disabilities equal access to an education.  In some cases this may include special education services, but for a child in a wheelchair it may mean a ramp or elevator to access the classroom.
The 504 is documented in a written plan.
Specific timelines for the 504 do not exist.
There are no requirements stating who must attend the 504 plan meeting.
Reports of noncompliance and the request for a hearing are made to the Office for Civil Rights.
The 504 does not offer as many specific procedural safeguards as the IEP.

IEP

The IEP is only for children who require special education services. The individualized program must meet each child’s unique needs and it must provide educational benefit.
The IEP documents contain very specific language and parts such as goals and objectives that are not included in the 504.
Timelines for an IEP are very specific and important.
A minimum number of IEP participants and who they are, such as administrator, general education teacher, and special education teacher, are stipulated.
Reports of noncompliance and the request for due process are made to the State’s Department of Education.
IEP specific procedural safeguards include, but are not limited to: 1) The right to request an independent assessment at public expense and 2) the student may “stay put” until a dispute is resolved.