United States: IDEA, IEP & Section 504 guidance
Plain-English, federal-baseline guidance for families navigating evaluations, IEPs, Section 504, FAPE, LRE and school disagreements.
States may add timelines, forms, eligibility details and dispute procedures. Every guide flags where you should check your state education agency and local district.
New to US special education terminology?
Use the US glossary for plain-English explanations of IDEA, IEP, FAPE, LRE, Section 504, IEE, prior written notice, related services and more.
Open the US special education glossaryTwo federal frameworks you will see often
IDEA is the federal special education law that governs evaluations, eligibility, IEPs and special education for eligible children. Section 504 is a civil-rights law that prohibits disability discrimination and requires FAPE for qualified students with disabilities in public elementary and secondary schools.
Start with your question
What is an IEP under IDEA?
An IEP is the written special education program required for an eligible child under IDEA. It describes present levels, annual goals, services, supports and how progress will be measured.
EvaluationHow can a parent request a special education evaluation?
A parent can ask the school district to evaluate a child for IDEA eligibility. Put the request in writing, describe the concerns and keep a dated copy.
IEP vs 504IEP vs Section 504 plan: what is the difference?
IEPs come from IDEA and provide special education for eligible children. Section 504 is a civil-rights law with a broader disability definition and can require aids, services and modifications for qualified students.
EligibilityDoes a child need a diagnosis for an IEP or Section 504?
A private medical diagnosis is not always required before a school evaluates a child. IDEA and Section 504 use legal eligibility standards based on disability and educational impact or need.
EvaluationWhat happens during a special education evaluation under IDEA?
An IDEA evaluation should gather information across all suspected areas of disability using multiple tools and sources, including information from parents.
IEP meetingHow to prepare for an IEP meeting: a parent checklist
Prepare for an IEP meeting by reviewing evaluations, current progress, goals, services and your priorities. Parents are required members of the IEP Team.
IEP contentWhat should be in an IEP? A plain-English checklist
IDEA specifies required IEP content, including present levels, measurable annual goals, services, participation, accommodations and how progress will be measured.
RightsFAPE explained for parents: what does “free appropriate public education” mean?
FAPE is a core disability-education right under IDEA and Section 504, but the legal standards arise from different statutes and regulations.
PlacementLeast Restrictive Environment (LRE) explained for parents
IDEA’s LRE rule says children with disabilities should be educated with nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, with supplementary aids and services considered before removal.
Implementation problemSchool is not following the IEP — what can a parent do?
If services or supports in an IEP are not being implemented, document the gap, ask the school to correct it, request an IEP meeting if needed and review IDEA dispute-resolution options.