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Understanding the NOREP Timeline and Your Rights in Pennsylvania

Since you are in Pennsylvania, the rules regarding the "Notice of Recommended Educational Placement" (NOREP) are very specific and different from many other states. The most critical thing you need to know is that PA allows for "passive consent" on subsequent IEPs.

Can they finalize the IEP without your consent?

Yes, they can. In Pennsylvania, if the school sends you a NOREP proposing a new IEP and you do not respond within 10 calendar days, the school is legally allowed to implement that IEP automatically.

  • Initial IEPs: If this is your child's very first IEP, they cannot start services without your signature.

  • Review/Annual IEPs: For any IEP after the first one, if you do not return the NOREP checking "I disapprove," the school can proceed as if you agreed. Silence is treated as consent.

Should you wait or reach out?

Reach out immediately. Your meeting was on 11/26. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the school likely lost several working days, which explains the delay. However, you do not want to risk missing the document or having it get lost in the mail while the "10-day clock" might be ticking.

Recommended Action Plan:

  1. Email the Case Manager Today: Send a friendly but clear email to create a paper trail.

    • Draft: "Hi [Name], I am following up on our IEP meeting from 11/26. I haven't received the NOREP yet. Please let me know when I can expect it, as I want to ensure the changes we discussed regarding [mention 1-2 key changes] are included before it is finalized."

  2. Watch Your Mail/Email: The 10-day timeline usually begins when you receive the NOREP.

  3. If the IEP is Wrong: When you get the NOREP, if they ignored your requests:

    • Do NOT just ignore it.

    • You must check "I do not approve this recommendation" on the NOREP.

    • Crucially, checking "disapprove" alone is often not enough to stop them indefinitely. To ensure your child stays in their current placement/services (known as "Stay Put"), you generally need to check the box requesting Mediation or a Due Process Hearing alongside your disapproval.

Summary: Do not wait. In PA, waiting creates a risk that the school will implement the IEP you disliked because they didn't hear back from you.