By Joseph L. Pfrommer, Esq.

Not obtaining parental consent when required can lead to denial of FAPE and the erosion of parents' trust, which could result in potential litigation. This resource explains when informed parental consent is required, what constitutes informed consent, and what efforts a district should take to obtain and document consent -- to help administrators, IEP teams and evaluation teams understand and meet their obligations and parents' expectations.

Plus, real-life cases, examples of common pitfalls, and numerous forms and checklists guide your decision-making, along with practical guidance to:

• Communicate with parents, with language to use and avoid when seeking their consent
• Identify when a reevaluation may be conducted without consent or a due process hearing
• Obtain written consent through alternative methods when school buildings are closed and parents and educators can't meet
• Recognize situations in which the IDEA does not require consent so activities aren't unnecessarily delayed
• And more