oh no!

IEP DISPUTE?

• Fear not! There are several options to help you, the family, and the team get on the same page for the best of the student!

NEGOTIATION

• This is a voluntary fascilitation in an attempt to solve a dispute as a team.
• This step in dispute resolution is the most important. It offers the opportunity for relationships to be built and common ground that is best for the student to be found.
• Will work best with a respectful and compassionate leader.

THE USE OF A NEUTRAL 3rd PARTY

• When the team can't find success from the last step, a third party is involved to help
• This is the last step before more adverserial actions need to take place
• Don't waste this opportunity!
• Team members need to be reflective on their stance and what is right for the student before the meeting.
• Everyone should make informed decisions

DUE PROCESS HEARING

• This is a formal complaint when steps before this aren't effective.
• It is usually parent initiated and must state a violation of IDEA

LAWSUIT & STATE COMPLAINT

• This is a very serious option and requires a lawyer
• Can be filed by school or families
• This needs to be filed within 90 days of losing a due process hearing
• If filing a state complaint, you have one year

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT

• If a school violated an IEP student by discrimination, a civil rights complaint may be filed within 180 of the incident

RESOURCES

• 6 options for resolving an IEP dispute, Andrew MI LEE, Understood.org
• Quick Guide to Special Education Dispute Resolution Processes for Parents of Children & Youth (Ages 3-21) , CADRE