Conciliation Conference

A voluntary, confidential process where a trained, impartial mediator helps parents and the school district reach a mutually acceptable agreement about a dispute. Mediation is offered at no cost to parents and can be requested at any time, not just when a due process complaint is filed. Agreements reached in mediation are legally binding.

A formal legal proceeding where a parent or school district presents evidence before an impartial hearing officer to resolve a dispute about a child's identification, evaluation, placement, or provision of FAPE. Either party can request a due process hearing. Decisions are legally binding.

An IEP meeting led by a neutral, trained facilitator to help the team communicate more effectively and reach agreement. Facilitated IEPs are used when there is conflict or a history of disagreement between parents and the school. The facilitator guides the process but does not make decisions — the IEP team retains all decision-making authority.

A mandatory meeting that must occur within 15 days of a due process complaint being filed (unless both parties agree to skip it or use mediation instead). The purpose is to give the school district an opportunity to resolve the complaint before a hearing. If resolved, the agreement is legally binding.