How Does the IEP Process Work in Pennsylvania?
Short answer: Pennsylvania special education is governed by Chapter 14 regulations. Key features include a 60-calendar-day evaluation timeline that pauses during summer, the use of Intermediate Units (IUs) for specialized support, and the NOREP document for finalizing placement.
Pennsylvania IEP Quick Facts
| Evaluation Timeline | 60 calendar days (summer excluded) |
| Implementation Form | NOREP (Notice of Recommended Educational Placement) |
| State Agency | PDE / PATTAN |
| Free Legal Help | ConsultLine (800-879-2301) |
| Recording Laws | Two-party consent (illegal without permission) |
What is the evaluation timeline in Pennsylvania?
Short answer: Schools have 60 calendar days to complete the Evaluation Report (ER) once they receive your signed Permission to Evaluate (PTE).
⚠️ The "Summer Stop" Rule
Unlike federal law, PA law pauses the clock the day school ends for summer. The count restarts the day school opens. If you sign permission in late May, the evaluation will not be due until October.
What is an Intermediate Unit (IU)?
Short answer: Intermediate Units (IUs) are regional agencies that provide specialized services to local school districts. There are 29 IUs in Pennsylvania. They typically manage Early Intervention (ages 3-5), services for private school students, and supports for low-incidence disabilities like vision or hearing loss.
What is PATTAN?
Short answer: PATTAN (Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network) is the state-funded organization that provides training and resources to schools and families. They are the authoritative source for PA educational initiatives, including autism support and literacy protocols.
Does Pennsylvania have gifted IEPs?
Short answer: Yes. Under Chapter 16, gifted students receive a GIEP. However, for "twice-exceptional" (2e) students who are both gifted and disabled, Chapter 14 (Special Education) takes precedence. The child receives one IEP that must include goals for both their disability and their gifted strengths.
How do I file a complaint in PA?
Short answer: You can file a formal complaint with the Bureau of Special Education (BSE) or request mediation through the Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR). For immediate questions, call the ODR ConsultLine (800-879-2301), a free service for parents to ask procedural questions.
PA-Specific Terms Parents Should Know
- NOREP (Notice of Recommended Educational Placement)
- Means: The document that finalizes an offer of services. If you do not sign it (checking "Disapprove") within 10 days, the school can automatically proceed.
- Chapter 14
- Means: The specific section of the PA School Code that governs Special Education for students with disabilities.
- Chapter 16
- Means: The specific section of the PA School Code that governs Gifted Education.
Common Pennsylvania Questions
Can I record an IEP meeting in PA?
Generally, no. PA is a "two-party consent" state. Recording without permission is a crime. You must ask the school; if they say no, you generally cannot record unless it is an approved accommodation for a parent's disability.
What is the "10-Day Waiver"?
PA law gives you 10 days to read an evaluation report before the IEP meeting. Schools often ask you to waive this to schedule sooner. We recommend not signing the waiver so you have time to digest the report.
What should PA parents do next?
- Calculate your timeline. Check your "Permission to Evaluate" date and account for the summer stop.
- Watch for the NOREP. Never let this document expire. You must respond within 10 days to preserve your "Stay Put" rights.
- Save the ConsultLine number. Program 800-879-2301 into your phone for when disputes arise.