Prior Written Notice (PWN): The IEP Secret Weapon Every Parent Should Know
How many times have you heard phrases like these, at IEP meetings, when you’ve suggested something?
- I don’t think he/she needs that.
- Why don’t we ‘wait and see’ and talk about it in a few months?
- I have to discuss this with {someone with more authority} and then I’ll get back to you. (and they don’t)
- “why don’t we table that until next fall/summer/the end of days?”
“I don’t get it…I did everything you said, the school still said no.”
Sound familiar? Despite your best efforts and taking recommendations from other parents or advocates, you’re still being told no. What if I told you that there is a tool built into the IEP process that can help you with this?
Enter the PWN. Prior Written Notice.
It’s going to happen, sooner or later you will be at an impasse in the IEP process.
Here’s the thing, the good guys don’t always win. Justice doesn’t always prevail. Life isn’t always fair. (I’m such a ray of sunshine today, no?)
I’ve always said, the IEP is not one document or one meeting, it’s a process. All that an advocate does for you is help you better understand how to navigate the process. Good special education advocates teach parents how to translate your concerns into language that the district is more likely to respond to and ultimately achieve getting what your child needs.
Still, at every step in the process, you have a decision to make.
- “They still won’t put my parental concerns in full in the IEP.”
- “They still won’t agree to a 1:1.”
- “They still said no to ESY.”
You submitted your data, you have your ducks in a row, they still said no.
Yes, it happens and will happen. That’s just how it is. I don’t know why and I don’t ask why. I don’t feel that pondering the why of the situation helps me reach the ultimate goal of having the child’s needs met, so I don’t waste time on it.
The special education system is not fair. Not only is it not fair, but I’d also argue that the IEP process is stacked against parents.
But, it is what it is. This is the system. The best we can do is become the best we can at it, and work to change the system.
However, there is one tool in place to use. It is the most effective and most underused (by parents) tool in the IEP process. Say hello to your new BFF, the PWN.
What is PWN/Prior Written Notice?
The word prior can be confusing. Parents often mistakenly think that this means prior to the IEP meeting. It doesn’t. It means prior to a change.
Although the term prior written notice sometimes leads people to believe it is a document provided before a meeting, similar to a meeting notice, it is to be provided after a decision is made but before it is implemented.
Under IDEA, parents have the right to receive prior written notice from the school each time that the school proposes to take (or refuses to take) certain actions with respect to your child. Specifically, the school must provide parents with prior written notice each time that it:
- proposes to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of your child
- proposes to initiate or change the provision of FAPE to your child (their free and appropriate education)
- refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of your child
- refuses to initiate or change the provision of FAPE to your child
I bolded those last two because those are the two that I find I am quoting to parents most often. So, if as part of your parental concerns that you wished to discuss at the IEP meeting, you asked for a different placement, more evaluations, or a different checkbox under categories. It doesn’t matter. If they refuse, they have to give you written notice as to why.
Go re-read that graphic, and I’ll wait here.
Now, are the light bulbs going off? Are you having that “a-ha!” moment, if you didn’t know what PWN is before now?
PWN can end all of that for you. Next time you get a “no” in any form, just an email with “OK, I understand, please send that to me on a Prior Written Notice form, thanks.” If they don’t/won’t, call your State’s or US Dept of Ed and ask about compliance complaints about not following IDEA.
Or file a Civil Rights complaint about a violation of FAPE.
It’s so important, that in our Procedural Safeguards (PA) it is the SECOND THING LISTED.
When is a PWN required?
A Prior Written Notice (PWN) is required in the IEP process when a school district proposes or refuses to initiate or change:
- The identification of a child as having a disability
- The evaluation of the child
- The educational placement of the child
- The provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
The school must provide a PWN anytime they deny a parent’s request or make changes to a child’s IEP without agreement. This notice must include:
- What the school is proposing or refusing
- Why they are making this decision
- The data or information used to make the decision
- A statement that parents have rights under IDEA
- Resources for parents to understand their rights
- Other options considered and why they were rejected
- Other relevant factors in the decision
This is your paper trail—it helps document disagreements, and you can use it to challenge decisions if needed. If a school denies a request and does not provide a PWN, ask for one in writing! Schools are legally required to give it.
Here in PA, we call it a NOREP. Parents, ALL of what you considered should be on the NOREP, even the items they said no to. If they are not on there, disagree and write directly on the NOREP/PWN your concerns–that certain discussed items are not on the NOREP/PWN.
PWN is HUGE when used properly, and not enough parents use it. Huge, life-changing. You either get what you ask for or you get the written documentation that you asked for it, were denied, and the reasons that the district denied it.
You have documentation for going further and if you end up in Due Process or asking for comp ed.
When is a PWN not required?
A Prior Written Notice (PWN) is not required in the IEP process for routine actions that do not significantly affect a child’s special education services. Here are some common situations where a school does not have to provide a PWN:
Routine Progress Reports: Schools are required to provide progress reports, but they don’t have to issue a PWN each time a report is sent home.
General School Communications: If the school informs parents about general policies, upcoming events, or routine classroom matters, a PWN is unnecessary.
The key takeaway? If the school is refusing or changing something significant about your child’s special education plan, a PWN is required. If they say “no” to your request and don’t provide a PWN, ask for one in writing.
The PWN may not be a separate form.
No, a Prior Written Notice (PWN) is not always a separate form. It just has to be in writing and include all the required elements under IDEA (34 CFR § 300.503).
Where You Might “See” the PWN
✔️ A separate document labeled “Prior Written Notice” – This is the most common way schools provide PWN.
✔️ Within the IEP itself – Some schools include the PWN at the end of the IEP document, summarizing changes or refusals.
✔️ In an email or letter from the school – If an email from the school clearly explains a refusal, the reasoning, and the data used, it may count as a PWN.
However……
The format doesn’t matter as much as whether it includes all legally required elements:
🔹 What the school is proposing or refusing
🔹 Why they are making this decision
🔹 Data or reports they used
🔹 Other options considered and why they were rejected
🔹 Parents’ rights under IDEA
If You’re Unsure If Something Counts as a PWN:
✅ Compare it to the legal requirements
✅ Ask the school directly: “Is this document considered my Prior Written Notice?”
✅ If it’s missing required elements, request a proper PWN in writing
Sometimes, schools embed the PWN within the IEP document instead of providing a separate form. This often appears at the end of the IEP under sections like “Team Response to Parent Requests” or “Prior Written Notice.” If the school makes any changes to the IEP (or refuses a request), they must include a compliant PWN within the document.
However, don’t assume it’s there—always review your IEP carefully to make sure the PWN includes all the legally required elements. If it’s missing information or doesn’t fully explain the school’s decision, request a proper PWN in writing.
Incorrect Prior Written Notice Forms
If the Prior Written Notice (PWN) you receive is incorrect or missing information, here’s what you should do:
1. Respond in Writing
Send an email or letter to the school stating that the PWN is incomplete or inaccurate and request a corrected version. Be specific about what’s missing or incorrect. Example:
“I received the Prior Written Notice dated [date], but it does not include the reason my request was denied, nor does it list the data used to make this decision. IDEA requires that all PWN include this information. Please provide a revised PWN with the missing details.”
2. Reference IDEA Requirements
Schools are required to provide a complete PWN under 34 CFR § 300.503 of the IDEA. If they fail to do so, they are out of compliance.
3. Attach Documentation
If the PWN misrepresents what was discussed or decided, attach emails, meeting notes, or other documentation proving the error. This is why the after IEP meeting email is essential!
4. Escalate if Necessary
If the school refuses to correct the PWN, you may:
- Request mediation
- File a state complaint for non-compliance
- Include the issue in a due process complaint if needed
5. Keep Everything
A faulty PWN is a weak legal defense for the school if you later challenge their decisions. Keep all records—emails, meeting notes, and the original PWN.
Prior Written Notice Examples
There!
That should be enough to get you going, right? When you have a good parent concerns letter and you follow up with PWN, it really is a game changer for families. Please note that some specifics such as a type of form, or what can be considered part of PWN may vary from state to state. Feel free to join our message boards and ask specifics if you need to.
