Under FERPA, when can parents access their child's education records?

Parents can access their child's education records under FERPA when the student provides written consent. This provision emphasizes the rights of students who have reached a certain age (typically 18 years or older) or who are enrolled in post-secondary education. At this point, the responsibility for granting access to education records shifts to the student, allowing them to control who can view their information.

While parents may have access to their child's educational records when the student is under 18, this is not a blanket entitlement. Written consent from the student is necessary, which reflects the importance of student autonomy and privacy in the educational setting. This provision ensures that students have some control over their personal educational records, aligning with FERPA's goals of protecting student information.