School-Age Education Resources (Age 3 and Up)

Section 504 plans make sure all students can participate in educational activities.

• What is a 504 plan? | Understood
• The difference between IEPs and 504 plans | Understood
• What’s the Difference Between a 504 Plan and an IEP? | Undivided
• Dear Colleague Letter and Resource Guide on Students with ADHD and Section 504 | U.S. Department of Education
• Know Your Rights: Students with ADHD | U.S. Department of Education
• Protecting Students With Disabilities: Frequently Asked Questions About Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities | U.S. Department of Education
• The Civil Rights of Students with Hidden Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 | U.S. Department of Education

Special education services and supports help students with disabilities learn. Students who qualify for special education have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• Law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) | Library of Congress
• IDEA Regulations | U.S. Department of Education
• What Is Special Education? | Understood
• Key Terms to Know in Special Education | Center for Parent Information and Resources
• Understanding the Special Education Process | PACER
• Special Education Basics Toolkit | U.S. Department of Education
• What is an evaluation for special education? | Understood

California Specific:

• Special Education Timelines | Disability Rights California
• Disability Rights California: Special Education Rights and Responsibilities (SERR) | Disability Rights California

Put it in Writing! Here are some examples of how to document parent/caregiver concerns.

• Sample Letters and Forms | DREDF
• How To Write a Parent Concerns Letter for your IEP that Gets Noticed | A Day in Our Shoes
• Parent Concerns Letter Templates | A Day in Our Shoes
• How to Consent to Some Parts of an IEP and Not Others | Understood
• IEP Vision Statement Examples | Samples | Free Workbook | A Day in Our Shoes

Get decisions/answers in writing. Schools are required to explain their special education decisions in writing. Know more about what should be included and why it’s important:

• Prior written notice: Your right to hear about changes to your child’s IEP | Understood
• Right to Receive Prior Written Notice (Part B of IDEA) | Center for Parent Information and Resources
• Example Prior Notice Statements | A Day in Our Shoes