504 Plan
A 504 Plan is a formal support plan used in schools and educational settings to help students with disabilities. It gets its name from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination. Think of it as a written plan that outlines specific accommodations and modifications a student needs to fully participate in school, similar to how a recipe provides step-by-step instructions. Professionals who work with 504 Plans ensure students receive things like extra test time, modified assignments, or special seating arrangements. This term often appears in job descriptions for special education coordinators, school counselors, and disability services professionals.
Examples in Resumes
Developed and implemented 504 Plan accommodations for 30+ students annually
Coordinated with teachers and parents to create effective 504 support strategies
Led 504 Plan evaluation meetings and monitored student progress under 504 accommodations
Typical job title: "504 Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find 504 Coordinators
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where teachers are resistant to implementing 504 accommodations?
Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss professional development approaches, building collaborative relationships, explaining legal requirements, and demonstrating how accommodations benefit students while maintaining reasonable expectations for teachers.
Q: Describe your experience with program evaluation and improving 504 Plan processes school-wide.
Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in analyzing program effectiveness, gathering feedback from stakeholders, streamlining procedures, and implementing systematic improvements while maintaining compliance.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for determining if a student qualifies for a 504 Plan?
Expected Answer: Should explain gathering information from teachers, parents, and medical professionals, evaluating how the disability impacts major life activities, and following proper documentation procedures.
Q: How do you ensure effective communication between parents, teachers, and administrators regarding 504 Plans?
Expected Answer: Should discuss regular progress monitoring, organized documentation systems, scheduled review meetings, and clear communication channels with all stakeholders.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP?
Expected Answer: Should explain that 504 Plans are for students who can participate in regular classroom settings with accommodations, while IEPs are more comprehensive and involve specialized instruction.
Q: What types of accommodations might be included in a 504 Plan?
Expected Answer: Should list common accommodations like extended time on tests, preferred seating, modified assignments, breaks during class, and note-taking assistance.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of 504 regulations
- Ability to maintain accurate records
- Knowledge of common accommodations
- Basic meeting facilitation skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Experience writing and implementing 504 Plans
- Strong collaboration with school staff
- Effective parent communication
- Knowledge of evaluation procedures
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and evaluation
- Staff training and development
- Complex case management
- Policy development and implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of knowledge about disability rights laws
- Poor documentation practices
- Inability to collaborate with different stakeholders
- Limited understanding of accommodation types
- Unfamiliarity with confidentiality requirements
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