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A Same Team Handbook

The Parent and Family Guide to IDEA and Section 504

Plain-language answers for families, from a first worry to life after high school.

About This Guide

Plain-language answers for families, from someone who has sat on both sides of the table. This guide explains IDEA and Section 504, walks through every step from a first worry to life after high school, and answers the questions parents ask most. Parents and schools want the same thing, and students do best when both sides bring what they know to the table.

Open the guide (PDF, 164 pages) Download

Version 1.0 — October 2026. Families, schools, and parent organizations may share this guide with attribution.

Important notice. This guide is educational information for families. It is not legal advice and does not replace your state's rules, your district's policies, or advice from an attorney or advocate. Federal law sets the floor; your state may give you more.

Start Here

Start with whatever is on your mind today. Each Part stands on its own, so you don't have to read this guide in order. Find your situation below and go straight to the Part that answers it.

Where to begin

If this is you…Start here
You want quick answers to the most common questionsFamily Q&A
You've been told something at school that doesn't sound rightFamily Q&A (Things you might hear)
You're new to all of this and want the big picturePart I: Partners on the Same TeamPart II: The Legal Foundation
You think your child may have a disability and want the school to evaluatePart III: From Concern to Evaluation
You have an evaluation report and want to understand it, or you disagree with itPart III: From Concern to Evaluation
The team is talking about a disability category, or you want to know your state's rulesPart IV: Eligibility and the 13 Disability Areas
Your child may need accommodations but not special educationPart VII: Section 504 for Families
You have an IEP meeting coming upPart V: The IEP
You're not sure the IEP is working, or services are being missedPart V: The IEP
You have questions about where your child is taught, related services, an aide, assistive technology, ESY, or a health planPart VI: Services, Supports, and Placement
Your child has meltdowns or behavior incidents, or the team is discussing an FBA or BIPPart VIII: Behavior, Discipline, and Safety
Your child was restrained or secluded, or is being suspended or expelledPart VIII: Behavior, Discipline, and Safety
Your child is being bullied, or you're in Texas and want to know about classroom camerasPart VIII: Behavior, Discipline, and Safety
Your child has anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, or another mental health needPart IX: Mental Health and Your Child's Rights
You and the school don't agree, or services may endPart X: When You Disagree
You're moving, considering a charter, private, or home school, or your child is on a shortened day, homebound, or virtualPart XI: Special Situations
You'd like to communicate with the school in another languagePart XI: Special Situations
You're a grandparent, foster parent, or co-parent, or custody is involvedPart II: The Legal Foundation
Your child is under 5, or 14 and older, or heading to collegePart XII: From Preschool to Adulthood
You want to explain your child's disability to them, or your child wants to speak upPart XIII: Your Child's Voice
You'd like to see how the whole process can unfold for one familyCase Study: A Parent's Story

The tools

TabWhat's in it
Family ToolkitKey timelines, the meeting prep worksheet, checklists, and logs
Family Forms and LettersSample letters and ten fill-in forms
Glossary and AcronymsTerms, who's who, and names that vary by state
Resource DirectoryWho to call for help beyond your school
Federal ReferencesEvery law, regulation, case, and guidance document cited

Accommodation or Modification?

A Same Team Sorting Game: practice telling the two apart

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The Family's Roadmap

Where each stage of your child's journey lives in this guide.

  1. 1. First concernNotice it, ask in writing
    Parts I, III
    Part I · Part III
  2. 2. EvaluationConsent and testing
    Part III
    Part III
  3. 3. EligibilityIDEA category or 504
    Parts IV, VII
    Part IV · Part VII
  4. 4. The planIEP or 504 plan
    Parts V, VII
    Part V · Part VII
  5. 5. ServicesPlacement and supports
    Part VI
    Part VI
  6. 6. WellbeingBehavior, mental health
    Parts VIII, IX
    Part VIII · Part IX
  7. 7. Bumps in the roadDisagreements, moves
    Parts X, XI
    Part X · Part XI
  8. 8. Looking aheadAge 3 to adulthood
    Parts XII, XIII
    Part XII · Part XIII

Foundation: your rights under IDEA and Section 504 (Part II) Part II

The child is the point. Always.

Five things every family should know

  1. 1. You are a member of the team, not a guest. The law requires schools to include you in every decision about your child's evaluation, eligibility, services, and placement.
  2. 2. Put it in writing. A short, polite email creates a record and starts timelines.
  3. 3. Your child doesn't have to be failing. Passing grades don't rule out a disability, a 504 plan, or an IEP.
  4. 4. You don't have to wait. You can ask for an evaluation, a meeting, or your child's records at any time.
  5. 5. You can ask questions until you understand. "Can you explain that another way?" is always a fair question.
Dr. Elizabeth Long

About Dr. Long

Dr. Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. — Director of Special Education, 32 years in public education. More about Dr. Long