Procedural & Substantive Violations

Procedural vs. Substantive Violations: A Parent & Educator Guide

This resource explains the difference between procedural and substantive violations under IDEA and why they matter in ensuring a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Inside, you’ll find:

• Clear definitions of procedural and substantive violations
• Real-world examples of each type of violation
• How these violations impact a child’s right to FAPE
• Steps parents, educators, and service providers can take when violations occur

This guide is designed to help parents, school staff, and related service providers recognize when a violation may be happening and understand the next steps to protect student rights.