🖊️ Understanding What You're Signing:

IEP Consents Made Simple

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Signing documents during the IEP process can feel overwhelming. There are many forms—and each one means something different. This guide helps you understand the why, when, and what of signing school documents, so you feel confident about giving (or withholding) consent.

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What Is "Consent" in Special Education?

Consent means you’re giving the school permission to take certain actions regarding your child’s special education. But it's not just about signing a form—it's about understanding exactly what you're agreeing to.

• Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the school must fully inform you in writing, and you must give permission in writing before they can do certain things.

 

When MUST Schools Get Your Consent?

You’ll be asked to sign consent in these key situations:

• Initial evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for special education

• Reevaluation to see if services still meet your child's needs

• Before starting services for the first time through an IEP

• Inviting outside agencies to IEP meetings (for transition planning)

• Requesting to bill Medicaid for services your child receives

If you don’t give consent, the school cannot proceed—and that’s your right.

 

What does “Informed Consent” Means?

To be valid, your consent must meet three legal requirements:

1. You’ve been fully informed — The school gives you written details about what they want to do (called Prior Written Notice, see below). You have the right to ask questions or request it in your native language (e.g., Spanish, Braille).

2. You agree in writing — Saying "yes" in a meeting isn’t enough. Your signature is required.

3. It’s voluntary — You can say no, or change your mind at any time.

 

What If You Don’t Consent?

You can say no simply by:

• Refusing to sign

• Not responding

Without your consent, the school cannot take action. For evaluations, they may request mediation or due process, but for services, they cannot override your refusal.

 

Understanding the Forms You’ll Be Asked to Sign

Here’s a breakdown of the most common and confusing forms in the IEP process:

 

1. NOREP (Notice of Recommended Educational Placement)

Also called Prior Written Notice (PWN) in some states like PA.

This form outlines any changes the school is proposing—or refusing to make—to your child’s:

• Identification

• Placement

• Services

What to know:

• It must be dated the day of the meeting.

• Ask for a revised copy before you leave the meeting.

• If you don’t receive it in a few days, email the school to document the delay.

• If you don’t agree, write a polite letter explaining your concerns and request another meeting.

 

What happens if you don't sign your NOREP?

• Implied Consent:

  • If you agree with the NOREP, you would sign and return it to the school. However, if you don't sign and return it within 10 calendar days, the school can move forward with implementing the proposed changes. 

• Initial IEP Exception: 

  • This implied consent rule generally applies to subsequent IEPs, not the initial IEP.  For the initial IEP, your consent (through signing the NOREP or other consent document) is still required for the school to provide special education services. 

• Consequences of inaction or if you do nothing:

  • If you disagree with the NOREP and don't sign, you can still pursue dispute resolution options like mediation or due process to address your concerns. 

• Importance of Communication:

  • It's always best to communicate with the school if you have concerns or questions about the NOREP. You can also request additional time to review the document before making a decision

 

2. Prior Written Notice (PWN)

Schools are legally required to provide a Prior Written Notice to parents when they propose or refuse to make changes to a student's IEP. This is the school’s formal explanation of any changes they want to make—or refuse to make—in your child’s IEP. If you disagree with the proposed changes, you can request another meeting, request a facilitated IEP meeting or mediation or you can write a statement of dissent to attach to the official IEP document or file a complaint with the district or state education agency. Document the reasons you disagree.  

**It’s not the same as a NOREP because it doesn't change placement but still informs you of actions being proposed.

 

Common Misunderstanding: "Prior written" refers to actions—not the meeting itself. You receive this after decisions are made but before changes are put into place. Also, the school can still implement the proposed changes or refusals if the PWN is not signed, as a signature is not required for implementation. The PWN is a way for the school to document their decisions and provide a rationale for those decisions, including any evaluations or assessments used. If the school fails to provide a PWN when required, it is a violation of the law,

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3. Medicaid Consent Form

If your child receives Medical Assistance (MA), schools may request your permission to bill Medicaid for services in your child’s IEP.

What it covers:

• Speech therapy, OT, PT

• Nursing services

• Social work, psychiatric support

• Assistive technology, transportation

• IEP development and more

What to know:

• Your consent allows the school to collect Medicaid funds.

• It doesn’t cost you anything—no co-pays, no bills.

• Saying no does not affect your child's services. The school must still provide everything in the IEP at no cost to you.

• Some families worry about long-term impacts on Medicaid eligibility, though there is no clear evidence that school billing affects future services.

 

Final Advice: Don’t Rush to Sign

Many advocates and attorneys recommend not signing your IEP at the end of the meeting. Take it home, read everything carefully, and ask questions. If something feels unclear, you’re not alone—and it’s okay to wait before signing.

 

Click here to learn why it’s okay not to sign right away