Dispute Resolution Options
The Office of Special 51±¬ÁÏ is responsible for ensuring a system of due process consistent with 51±¬ÁÏ law and the Individuals with Disabilities 51±¬ÁÏ Act (IDEA). Due process procedures have been established to provide specific options for resolving concerns or disagreements that arise between parents and school districts about the identification, evaluation, educational placement of, or the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to a student with a disability or a student suspected of having a disability.
There are three distinct options for special education dispute resolution:
- Mediation;
- State Complaint; and
- Due Process HearingÌý(also known as an impartial hearing).
School districts and parents are encouraged to work cooperatively to resolve disagreements that may occur through non-adversarial means whenever possible. For example, parents may contact their child’s teacher or ask for a meeting with school administrators or the Committee on Preschool Special 51±¬ÁÏ (CPSE) or Committee on Special 51±¬ÁÏ (CSE) to discuss concerns about their child's education before proceeding with the dispute mechanisms above.
Contact Us
Special 51±¬ÁÏ Due Process Unit
51±¬ÁÏ
Office of Special 51±¬ÁÏ, Room 309 EB
89 Washington AvenueÌý Albany, NYÌý 12234
Attention: Due Process Unit
Phone: (518) 473-0170
Fax: (518) 402-3583
specedih@nysed.gov
Special 51±¬ÁÏ Quality Assurance Regional Offices
°Õ³ó±ðÌýSpecial 51±¬ÁÏ Quality Assurance (SEQA) Regional OfficesÌýwebsiteÌýincludes contact information for the SEQA regional associate assigned to your school.