Special Education Mediation offered at Sound Options Group

Serves as the Administrative Agent to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington state to provide mediation services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).   Also serves in a similar capacity to the Department of Early Learning, Early Support for Infants and Toddlers providing mediation under Part C of the IDEA.    Works through mediation to resolve problems that involve

• Initial special needs identification of a student
• Evaluations of the student
• Educational placement of the student
• Educational services provided to a student.

Parents and school districts may invite any participants they believe will assist in the mediation.   Either the district or the parent may refuse to mediate, and there are occasions when parties are not able to reach an agreement. Mediation may not be used to delay or deny rights under IDEA or the right to proceed to a due process hearing.