Mediation an Individual Education Plan (IEP)

Mediation When a Parent is Dissatisfied with an IEP.

Fifteen percent of all students attending public schools in the United States have Individual Education Plans, or an IEP. An IEP is a plan to be sure that a student with an identified disability receives the services that they need to succeed. A team, including education professionals, the student’s family and other professionals may contribute to the plan. The plan usually includes the services the child needs, appropriate educational accommodations, and measurable goals.

A problem arises when the parents disagree with the educational professionals about the necessity for an IEP or about the services or goals of the plan. Fortunately, when this disagreement occurs, a child’s family members have a number of options to advocate for the child. Among those are requesting a neutral third person, or a mediator, to meet with the family and the professionals to determine if an agreement can be reached.

The process to request mediation over the terms of an IEP in Virginia can be found here. The process to request mediation over an IEP in West Virginia can be found here. Mediation costs are to be paid by the school system, and parents may participate in mediation with or without the assistance of an attorney.

If you have questions about scheduling mediation regarding your child’s IEP, contact us for a free meeting or to receive additional information.