Mediation Process

Mediation can be used when you disagree with the School District regarding your child’s educational program, placement or services. Mediation is free, voluntary and confidential.

Mediation can be requested before or during instilling your Due Process rights. However, Mediation should not prolong or negate the parental right to a Due Process Hearing.

If both parties, the parent and the School District, are in agreement to try Mediation, the Office of Dispute Resolution will arrange for a neutral Mediator, which specializes in dispute resolution, to meet with the parent and School District regarding the disagreement both separately and jointly, in order to understand both positions.

• Lawyers can not attend a Mediation session

The Mediator will assist in trying to get both parties to a mutual agreement, they do not render decisions!  If an agreement is ascertained, it will be in writing, and included in the child’s IEP at an IEP meeting.

The Mediator will assist in trying to get both parties to a mutual agreement, they do not render decisions! If an agreement is ascertained it will be in writing and included in the child’s IEP at an IEP meeting. For the official Mediation Request forms click here : http://odr.pattan.net/files/odr/mediation_request.pdf or you can call the Office of Dispute Resolution at 1-800-992-4334 or Consultline at 1-800-879-2301, or HUNE’s Helpline at 215-425-5112.