Top 5 Key Ideas

1. The role of a facilitator/mediator:

• They assist the team to resolve conflicts that arise.
• They help maintain open communication.
• They clarify points of agreement and disagreement.
• Mediator helps to resolve disputes between parents and the school.

2. The role of IEP 3rd party intervention

• Provides opportunities for IEP team to resolve conflicts
• Helps to build and improve relationships and trust
• Gives parents an opportunity to discuss concerns
• It's an opportunity for both sides to work together to resolve concerns/disagreements about the child's SPED program

3. Preparation for meetings

• Write issues or concerns before meeting
• Bring any other information you want to share
• Speak with a specialist from ODR consult line or find a SPED advocate to join you in the meeting
• Review draft of IEP prior to meeting

4. Communication between parties

• Review how to talk and how to listen prior to meetings.
• Take notes during the meeting and write questions down so you can remember to ask them while you are actively listening

5. ODR as a resource

• "The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thought to be gifted), and students with disabilities (or thought to have disabilities).
• ODR offers IEP Facilitation, Mediation, Resolution Meetings and Due Process

Resource
https://odr-pa.org/