Academics · Subject Resources

The school put it in writing.
Check that it said everything.

When a school proposes or refuses a change to a child’s evaluation, eligibility, services or placement, federal special education law requires a written notice first. The notice has to say what, why, what else was considered, what evidence was used, and how to use your rights. Mark each part as you read; the guide counts what is missing and lays out your next steps.

Check a noticeWhat you get

Notices received

The worked example is made up: two children, one refused evaluation with parts missing, one placement change the family disagrees with and one service change they accept. Saved on this device only.

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What you get

Academics · Subject ResourcesFree

What you finish with
A record per notice: the date, the child’s initials, whether the school proposes or refuses, what it is about, the eight required parts each marked there, missing or not sure, your position and your questions. Counts parts present and missing; flags missing parts, disagreements with the routes the federal rule gives, the stay-put rule and a notice left without a reply.
Who it is for
Parents and caregivers of children with an IEP or being evaluated for one, and the advocates who help them.
Format
Browser guide with a saved record per notice. Prints one notice with its checklist and questions, every notice in a table or a blank checklist; downloads a spreadsheet (.csv); exports and imports a file.
Access
Free. No account, no sign-in and nothing to install. Everything you type stays in this browser; nothing is sent to Caveat.
Where it lives
The Subject Resources space in Caveat Academics.
Support
Questions about access, an order or a correction: team@caveatacademic.com.

How to use it

  1. Open the notice next to the list.
  2. Mark each of the eight parts.
  3. Choose where you stand.
  4. Write the questions to ask.
  5. Reply in writing and keep a copy.

Check a notice

How a notice works

From a notice to your reply1The school decidesIt proposes a change, orrefuses something you asked2The notice arrivesIn writing, a reasonable timebefore the school acts.3Check the eight partsUse the list: what, why,options, evidence, factors,4Ask what is missingWrite to the school; keep acopy of every letter.5Agree, or use your routesAn IEP meeting, mediation, astate complaint or dueFrom a notice to your reply1The school decidesIt proposes a change, or refusessomething you asked for.2The notice arrivesIn writing, a reasonable time before theschool acts.3Check the eight partsUse the list: what, why, options,evidence, factors, rights, help,language.4Ask what is missingWrite to the school; keep a copy ofevery letter.5Agree, or use your routesAn IEP meeting, mediation, a statecomplaint or due process.
A notice tells you what the school will do and why. Read it before the change takes effect, not after.

When a notice is required

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a school must give written notice a reasonable time before it proposes or refuses to start or change a child’s identification, evaluation, educational placement or free appropriate public education. A refusal of something you asked for gets a notice too.

If you disagree

The federal rule gives several routes: ask for an IEP meeting, mediation, a state complaint or a due process hearing. While a due process hearing is pending, the child generally stays in the current placement. States add their own timelines, so check your state’s procedural safeguards notice.

Sources

  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 300.503: prior notice by the public agency; content of notice.
  2. 34 CFR 300.504: procedural safeguards notice. 34 CFR 300.506, 300.507 and 300.153: mediation, due process complaints and state complaints.
  3. 34 CFR 300.518: child’s status during proceedings (stay put).
  4. Center for Parent Information and Resources. Prior written notice (parentcenterhub.org).

The worked example is made up. This guide explains the federal rule in general terms and is not legal advice; your state’s rules and timelines also apply. Nothing you type is sent to Caveat. Support: team@caveatacademic.com.