Special Education: Written Prior Notice
Understanding Prior Written Notice
The purpose of providing prior written notice to a parent is to:
• provide comprehensive documentation of the proposed and refused actions made;
• make sure the LEA and the parents are “on the same page” about a child’s educational program;
• provide the parents with an opportunity to voice any concerns or suggestions;
• provide sufficient information to ensure that the parent understands the rationale behind an LEA’s decision making regarding a particular proposed or refused action;
• ensure that informed parental consent is obtained, as necessary;
• assist the parent in determining the basis for any disagreement(s) with the proposed and/or refused actions addressed in the prior written notice and whether to seek resolution of any dispute through local dispute resolution procedures, a state complaint, mediation or a due process hearing. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) Office
RCPS will also provide resources for the parent to contact for help in understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the related federal and Virginia Regulations
Below are links to information provided to special education staff and administrators regarding Prior Written Notice and Resources provided to Parents to assist in understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the related federal and Virginia Regulations when providing Written Prior Notice:
Resources
- Transfer of Rights for Students with Disabilities Upon Reaching the Age of Majority in Virginia (PDF), also available in Spanish (PDF)
- Troubleshooting Parents' Special Education Concerns Within A Local School Division – (This document is under revision)
- Participation & Inclusion - includes guidelines for assessment participation and special test accommodations
- A Parent's Guide To Special Education (PDF), also available in Spanish (PDF)
- Your Family's Special Education Rights – Virginia Procedural Safeguards Notice (PDF)
- Extended School Year Services (PDF)
- Comprehensive Services Act for At Risk Youth and Families
- IEP Information
- Parent Resource Centers In Local School Divisions
- Legal Advocacy Groups and Resources for Special Education (PDF)
- Evaluation & Eligibility
- Virginia Special Education Reference
(VASER) – A resource for Virginia special education statutory and compliance information as well as curriculum, instruction and assessment policy
- Comprehensive Services Act for At Risk Youth and Families
- The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
-
FEDERAL REGULATIONS, LAWS & POLICIES
- Federal Special Education Regulations
(PDF) (2006)
- Revised Federal Special Education Regulations
(PDF) (2013)
- Revised Federal Special Education Regulations
(2008)
IDEA
- IDEA Grants and Funding
- Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004
– USED Technical Assistance Site
- 2008 Guidance Document on the Implementation of the IDEA Federal Regulations – Part B (PDF)
- 2006 Guidance Document on the Implementation of the IDEA Federal Regulations – Part B (PDF)
- 2005 Guidance Document on the Implementation of IDEA 2004 – Part B Requirements (PDF)
- Results Driven Accountability
- Reports, Plans and Statistics
- Federal Special Education Regulations
- Federal Agencies
- State Agencies
- Organizations