Mediation is a process in which parents of a child with a disability and the school meet together with a neutral person (a mediator) to work out their differences. It is often chosen instead of an impartial hearing as a way of resolving conflicts about a student’s placement, services, evaluation, classification, or behavioral issues. In most cases, parents and schools come to an agreement in mediation that resolves the problem.
In mediation, each participant talks about the issues from their point of view and can suggest ways that might solve the dispute. Any agreement reached is written up at the mediation and is legally binding. It has the same weight as an impartial hearing decision. After mediation, the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is updated to include all the terms of the agreement.
Our Special Education mediators have had extensive conflict resolution training and are knowledgeable about education law and the operations of the NYC school system. They are highly skilled professionals and are not employed by the Department of Education.
Parents, advocates, attorneys and schools may request mediation by filling out this form. If you’d like more information, or if you want to discuss whether mediation might be right for you, please contact:
New York Peace Institute
Hannah Resnick, Special Education Mediation Coordinator
hresnick@nypeace.org
Direct Line: 347.442.7595