10 Red Flags Your Child May Need an IEP or 504 Plan

Every child develops at their own pace, but some learning or behavior challenges may signal a need for specialized support. Here are ten red flags to watch for:

10 Warning Signs:

1. Struggles with reading, writing, or math

2. Short attention span or trouble following directions

3. Not meeting grade-level milestones

4. Difficulty expressing thoughts or understanding others

5. Avoids school or homework frequently

6. Social difficulties: few friends, trouble with peer interactions

7. Sensory challenges: overwhelmed by noise, light, or touch

8. Frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts

9. Documented diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, Autism, dyslexia)

10. Teacher concerns or frequent behavior reports

What You Can Do:

• Request a Student Support Team (SST) or Response to Intervention (RTI) meeting.

• Ask for a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) in writing.

• Keep a log of patterns, behaviors, and interventions that do or don’t help.

504 vs IEP Decision Tree

• Does the student have a disability? 

      YES                                                                          NO- No 504 or IEP needed

          ↧                                                                                    

Does it impact learning and require specialized instruction?

YES                                                                 No, but accommodations are needed   

↧ ↧

IEP 504 Plan

Early action leads to better outcomes. Trust your gut and advocate early!