Prior Written Notice (PWN)
A written document the school must give you before they make any changes to your child's identification, evaluation, placement, or services. It must explain what they want to do (or refuse to do), why, and what options were considered.
Federal rule: 34 CFR § 300.503 — Prior notice by the public agency; content of notice
Where PWN shows up in your IEP
Prior written notice arrives as its own document, a page or two on district letterhead, sometimes handed over at the end of a meeting and sometimes mailed afterward. It should name the action proposed or refused, the reason, the records the team relied on, and the other options that were discussed and set aside. Keep every copy in date order.
What to ask at the meeting
- Could you put that decision in prior written notice so I have the reasoning?
- Which options did the team consider today, and why were they set aside?
- Which records did you rely on, and may I have copies of them?
Red flags
- A significant change was discussed at the meeting and no notice ever arrived afterward.
- The notice names a decision but leaves the rejected-options section blank or generic.
- The reason given describes a district policy rather than anything about your own child.
Example
The team declined to add occupational therapy at Leah's annual review. Her father asked for prior written notice before he left the room. The letter that came a week later named the fine-motor scores the team had relied on and listed monthly consultation as the rejected option, which told him exactly what a follow-up evaluation would need to measure.
Common questions
When is the school supposed to send one?
A reasonable time before it proposes or refuses to change your child's identification, evaluation, placement, or the provision of a free appropriate public education. In practice that covers most of the decisions that matter, including the ones where the answer is no.
Is a meeting summary the same thing?
No, though the two often arrive together. Minutes record what people said; this notice records what the district decided, why, what it relied on, and what it turned down. If you only have minutes, you can ask for the notice.
What should I do with one I disagree with?
Read what it says the decision rested on, because that is the district's own account of its reasoning and it is hard to walk back later. Then respond in writing, ask for another meeting, or use the dispute options your safeguards booklet describes.
Related Terms
Procedural Safeguards
A set of rights that protect you and your child during the special education process. These include the right to participate in meetings, access records, give or refuse consent, and resolve disagreements. The school must give you a copy of these rights at least once a year.
Informed Consent
Your right to be fully informed about and agree to any action the school wants to take regarding your child's special education, including evaluations and initial placement. You can withdraw consent at any time.
Ready to put a request in writing?
Write Your First Letter — Free →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.