An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document developed for students with disabilities who require specialized support and services to thrive in the educational environment. Mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States, an IEP outlines a child's unique learning needs, the goals set for them, and the specific accommodations, modifications, and related services they will receive to address these needs. 

The plan is customized to support the student's academic, social, and functional development, ensuring equal access to education.

IEP plans are utilized for a wide range of conditions that affect a child's ability to learn and participate in a traditional classroom setting. 

Common Diagnoses That Often Qualify For An IEP Plan Include:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Learning disability such as dyslexia 
• Emotional and behavioral disabilities such as bipolar or conduct disorders
• Speech and language impairments
• Traumatic brain injury
• Developmental delays
• Cognitive impairments
• Physical disabilities

The development of the IEP involves a comprehensive intake appointment and analysis of all medical documentation regarding your child's diagnosis. Documentation completed by your school's child study team including psychological evaluations are also reviewed.

This comprehensive approach will help to identify your child's specific challenges and strengths, providing valuable insights to shape a personalized IEP.

Collaborating closely with parents and schools is crucial. Parents bring an intimate understanding of their child's needs, while schools contribute knowledge of practical classroom strategies. 

Together, this partnership ensures the IEP provides the right balance of support for the child to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Schedule an appointment if you are interested in having a personalized IEP Plan created for your child or call the office if you would like any additional information. 

Personalized 504 Plans

In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the importance of addressing mental health disabilities in educational settings. For children and adolescents with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and OCD, a customized 504 Plan can provide support to help them succeed academically and socially.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations in school, allowing them to access the same educational opportunities as their peers. These personalized plans play a crucial role in supporting students by providing them with the appropriate accommodations needed to succeed both socially and academically while fostering emotional well-being.

Our office offers personally tailored 504 Plans that meet the unique needs of each child.

The process of developing a customized 504 Plan begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment of the child's individual needs. This assessment includes gathering information from various sources such as parents, teachers, therapists and other health professionals. 

Once the assessment is complete, we will work closely with the family and the school staff to develop a 504 Plan that outlines accommodations designed to support the child's learning in that particular school setting. 

For Example...

A Child with ADHD May Benefit From:

• Extended time on tests
• Preferential seating
• The use of organizational tools to help manage assignments

Similarly, a Student Struggling with Anxiety May Require:

• A quiet space to regroup during overwhelming moments
• Written assignments instead of oral presentations
• Access to a school counselor for regular check-ins

By customizing these accommodations, we can create a supportive framework that addresses child-specific challenges to promote academic success, emotional resilience and social development.

Schedule an appointment if you’re interested in having a personalized 504 or IEP Plan created for your child or call the office for more information.