Every educator plays an essential role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the accommodations, services, and supports to which they are legally entitled. Understanding the differences between Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, as well as the responsibilities associated with implementing them, is critical to providing equitable educational opportunities while maintaining compliance with federal and New York State laws. Effective implementation requires careful planning, collaboration, consistent documentation, and ongoing progress monitoring to ensure students have meaningful access to instruction and opportunities for success.

This 5-hour professional development course provides educators with practical, evidence-based guidance for understanding and implementing IEPs and 504 Plans in New York State schools. Participants will examine the legal foundations of IDEA and Section 504, learn strategies for implementing accommodations and services, develop effective documentation systems, strengthen collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and families, and explore progress-monitoring practices that support student growth and legal compliance. Through reflection, practical applications, and resource development, educators will leave with classroom-ready tools that promote equitable access while fulfilling their professional and legal responsibilities.

Throughout the course, participants will examine:

• The legal foundations of IDEA, Section 504, FAPE, and the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

• The differences between Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans

• Educator responsibilities for implementing accommodations and services

• Reading and interpreting IEPs and 504 Plans effectively

• Implementing accommodations with consistency and fidelity

• Documentation practices that support compliance and student success

• Collaborating with special education staff, related service providers, administrators, and families

• Maintaining confidentiality and protecting student privacy

• Progress-monitoring strategies that guide instructional decisions

• Data collection methods that support educational planning and compliance

• Developing classroom systems that ensure consistent implementation of student supports

• Creating practical resources that strengthen compliance while promoting equitable learning opportunities

Participants will reflect on their current practices while developing implementation plans, documentation tools, collaboration strategies, and progress-monitoring resources that support students with disabilities in inclusive classroom settings.

Assignments are designed to be practical, immediately applicable, and directly connected to the daily responsibilities of New York State educators.

Special attention is given to helping educators confidently fulfill their legal and ethical responsibilities while creating learning environments where students with disabilities have equitable access to instruction, meaningful participation, and opportunities for academic success.

Participants will develop practical strategies that strengthen collaboration, improve implementation fidelity, support student achievement, and ensure compliance with both federal and New York State special education requirements.