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Mediation in Preschool and School-Age Special Education Disputes
Last updated on Aug 13, 2020 in CAR Autism Roadmap™
Mediation is an informal option that uses a neutral third party to help resolve disputes. Both sides - the family and the school district - attend a meeting conducted by a trained mediator. The mediator helps the two sides agree on some or all of the issues.
The mediator does not make decisions, however. Any agreements that are reached are included in a written mediation agreement. The mediation agreement, once signed by the parents and the school district, is a legally binding agreement and is enforceable in a court of law. It is important that decisions reached through mediation be included in the child’s Evaluation Report and Individualized Education Program (IEP) so teachers and other service providers know about the decision.
Mediation must be agreed to by the parents and the education agency. It cannot occur without both parties’ consent. If you would like to try mediation, you should request mediation in writing. There is no charge to families for mediation.
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The Center for Autism Research and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia do not endorse or recommend any specific person or organization or form of treatment. The information included within the CAR Autism Roadmap™ and CAR Resource Directory™ should not be considered medical advice and should serve only as a guide to resources publicly and privately available. Choosing a treatment, course of action, and/or a resource is a personal decision, which should take into account each individual's and family's particular circumstances.