The Procedural Safeguards Notice (PSN) is a document stating the parental rights during the special education process. It lays out the parental rights to disagree with actions taken by the school district and gives the parents options when disagreeing. The document also gives state resources for the parent to contact, if parent(s) need further assistance with advocacy or other information. The parent receives the Procedural Safeguard Notice/PSN at least once a year, first when the initial evaluation is requested, and typically at the first IEP meeting of each school year thereafter.
Parent(s) are also entitled to an additional copy of the PSN in certain circumstances:
the first parent-initiated compliance or due process complaint in a given year;
when the school decides to impose discipline which would constitute a "change of placement", such as long-term suspension or removal to an alternative school;
whenever the parents request a copy.
Did you know that you must sign on your child's IEP that you have received the Procedural Safeguards Notice? This document can be difficult to read and understand. Please don't hesitate to ask your school team to explain the PSN. The Office of Dispute Resolution has made an auditory version of the PSN and posted the links on their website, http://odr-pa.org/procedural-safeguards-notice/.
For more information on this topic, as well as other relevant information related to education, advocacy and empowerment of youth with disabilities, please visit the Mission Empower website at http://www.missionempower.org.
