If the school district determines that an initial evaluation to establish eligibility is necessary, it must adhere to the federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). According to IDEA, the school district is obligated to inform parents and secure their informed consent. The consent forms provided to parents include the following components:

  • A clear statement outlining parental rights, including the option to refuse consent and the ability to revoke consent at any time.

  • An explicit provision stating that if parents do not respond within ten school days from the date of the notice, their lack of response will be interpreted as a refusal of consent.

  • A guarantee that in the event of a dispute, the student's current educational placement will not be altered until all due process procedures are fully completed.

These measures ensure that parents are fully informed and have the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their child's special education evaluation and services, consistent with the protections afforded by IDEA.


Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.

Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law matters in New York as well.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.