Prior Written Notice (PWN) is a legal document that schools are required to provide under IDEA §300.503 whenever they propose or refuse to change your child's identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). It's not optional. It's federal law.
When Is PWN Required?
- School proposes to change your child's placement
- School refuses your request for an evaluation
- School wants to modify or remove a service
- School proposes to change eligibility determination
- School refuses to add an accommodation you requested
- Any disciplinary action that changes placement
What Must PWN Include?
- A description of the action proposed or refused
- An explanation of why the school is proposing or refusing the action
- A description of each evaluation, assessment, record, or report used as a basis
- Other options the IEP team considered and why they were rejected
- A description of other relevant factors
- A statement of your procedural safeguards and how to get a copy
"If a school can't explain in writing why they're making a decision about your child, that's a red flag worth noting."
What to Do If You Don't Receive PWN
If the school made a decision about your child without providing Prior Written Notice, you have the right to request it in writing. Many parents don't realize this — which means schools sometimes skip it. A simple letter requesting PWN creates a paper trail and puts the school on notice that you know your rights.
PWN vs. Meeting Notes
Meeting notes are not Prior Written Notice. PWN is a specific legal document with required elements. If the school hands you meeting notes and calls it done, that may not satisfy the legal requirement. Ask specifically: 'Will I be receiving a Prior Written Notice for this decision?'