Because "Try Harder" Isn't a Support Plan: Understanding 504s and IEPs by Shaquana Smith, LPGC
- Ashley Peterson, LPC
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Every parent has had that moment; maybe it's the third email from the teacher this month; maybe homework that should take 20 minutes somehow takes two hours; maybe your child is bright, funny, creative, and capable—but school feels like an uphill battle every single day.
As parents, we often wonder:
"Are they just having a rough year?"
"Why does school seem so hard for them?"
"Should I be concerned?"
The truth is that some children struggle in school not because they aren't intelligent or capable, but because they need additional support to be successful in the classroom. Many parents assume that struggling means failing grades; sometimes it does, but often, the signs are much more subtle. Sometimes teachers describe these students as:
"Very smart, but doesn't apply themselves."
"Capable, but struggles with organization."
"Knows the material, but can't demonstrate it."
As parents, those comments can be frustrating because you know your child is trying. When a child is working twice as hard as everyone else just to keep up, it's worth exploring whether additional support may help. Think of school like a race; some children can run it with no problems; some children need different shoes; some children need a completely different track, coach, and training plan.
A 504 Plan = Different Shoes
A 504 Plan provides accommodations that help a child access learning.
The child is learning the same material as everyone else, but they may need adjustments to help them succeed.
Examples:
Extra time on tests
Preferential seating
Frequent breaks
Reduced distractions
Extended deadlines
Access to fidgets or sensory tools
Permission to leave class when overwhelmed
An IEP = Different Shoes, Coach, Training Plan, and Playbook
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) provides specialized instruction, accommodations, and additional services. An IEP is designed for students whose disability significantly impacts their educational performance.
Examples:
Reading intervention
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Behavioral support services
Specialized academic instruction
If you've ever left a parent-teacher conference feeling like everyone was speaking a secret language made entirely of acronyms, you're not alone. It can feel overwhelming, but remember, you do not have to become an educational expert overnight. Start by asking questions, documenting concerns, communicating with the school, and trusting your observations.
When it comes to your child, you are often the first person to notice when they need additional support, and that insight is incredibly valuable.
-Shaquana Smith, LPGC
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