What is Prior Written Notice?

Prior Written Notice is a document that schools must provide to parents before they propose or refuse certain actions regarding a child's special education program.

When should I receive a Prior Written Notice?

You should receive a PWN whenever the school proposes or refuses to change your child's identification, evaluation, placement, or the provision of FAPE.

What if I disagree with the Prior Written Notice?

If you disagree with the PWN, you can request a meeting to discuss it further, or you may pursue dispute resolution options such as mediation or due process.

Can I request a Prior Written Notice?

Yes, if you believe a decision has been made without a PWN, you can request one in writing from the school.

What should I do if the Prior Written Notice is unclear?

Contact the school for clarification or request a meeting to discuss the PWN in detail to ensure you fully understand it.

What Must Prior Written Notice Include?

Prior Written Notice is a key document in special education, detailing decisions about your child's services. It must include specific elements to ensure parents are fully informed and can participate in decision-making.

Author: S.S. Education Advocacy Team
Reading time: 5 min read
Last updated: Updated June 30, 2026
Topic: IDEA & federal law · Procedural safeguards

Understanding Prior Written Notice

Prior Written Notice (PWN) is a critical part of the special education process. It is a formal document that schools must provide to parents before they either propose or refuse to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

Why Prior Written Notice Is Important

PWN ensures that parents are fully informed about the school district's decisions regarding their child's education. It allows parents to understand the reasons behind these decisions and provides them with the opportunity to respond or challenge them if necessary. This transparency is crucial for maintaining trust and collaboration between parents and schools.

Key Components of Prior Written Notice

The IDEA outlines specific components that must be included in a PWN. These components ensure that parents have a comprehensive understanding of the school's decisions and the reasoning behind them.

A description of the action proposed or refused by the school.
An explanation of why the school proposes or refuses to take the action.
A description of each evaluation procedure, assessment, record, or report the school used as a basis for the proposed or refused action.
A statement that the parents of a child with a disability have protection under the procedural safeguards and how to obtain a copy of them.
Sources for parents to contact to obtain assistance in understanding the PWN.
A description of other options that the IEP team considered and the reasons why those options were rejected.
A description of other factors that are relevant to the school's proposal or refusal.

How to Ensure You Receive Prior Written Notice

Parents should be proactive in ensuring they receive PWN. If a school makes a decision about your child's education, and you do not receive a PWN, you should request it in writing. This document is your right under IDEA and is essential for informed decision-making.

What to Do If Prior Written Notice Is Incomplete

If you receive a PWN that seems incomplete or unclear, you have the right to ask for clarification. Contact the school to request additional information or ask for a meeting to discuss the notice in detail. Understanding every part of the PWN is crucial for advocating effectively for your child.

How Prior Written Notice Supports Parental Involvement

PWN is designed to empower parents by providing them with detailed information about their child's educational program. This enables parents to participate meaningfully in IEP meetings and other decision-making processes concerning their child's education.

Practical tips

Always request a copy of the Prior Written Notice if you haven't received one after a decision is made.
Review the PWN carefully and make notes of any unclear sections or terms.
Contact your child's school for clarification if any part of the PWN is confusing.
Keep a file of all PWNs for future reference and to track decisions over time.
Use the PWN as a basis for preparing questions or concerns for upcoming IEP meetings.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming that verbal communication from the school is sufficient without a PWN.
Not reviewing the PWN thoroughly and missing important details.
Failing to request a PWN when a significant decision is made about your child's education.
Not keeping a record of all PWNs received for future reference.

Frequently asked questions

What is Prior Written Notice?: Prior Written Notice is a document that schools must provide to parents before they propose or refuse certain actions regarding a child's special education program.
When should I receive a Prior Written Notice?: You should receive a PWN whenever the school proposes or refuses to change your child's identification, evaluation, placement, or the provision of FAPE.
What if I disagree with the Prior Written Notice?: If you disagree with the PWN, you can request a meeting to discuss it further, or you may pursue dispute resolution options such as mediation or due process.
Can I request a Prior Written Notice?: Yes, if you believe a decision has been made without a PWN, you can request one in writing from the school.
What should I do if the Prior Written Notice is unclear?: Contact the school for clarification or request a meeting to discuss the PWN in detail to ensure you fully understand it.