Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have legal rights called procedural safeguards. One of these safeguards is called “prior written notice.” This provision says the school must give parents written notice any time it adds, changes or denies educational services to their child or wants to change the child’s placement.

PWN At a Glance:

• Prior written notice is a legal right guaranteed to parents of kids with IEPs.

• Prior written notice requires the school to provide written explanations of any proposed changes in your child’s educational plan.

• Prior written notice also requires the school to provide a written notice if the school denies a parent request.