Parents and school staff usually agree about issues regarding evaluation, eligibility, services, and placement of students with disabilities. However, there are times when disagreement occurs. It is helpful to address concerns as soon as they arise so steps can be taken to resolve the concern and support the working relationship between parents, staff, and students.

Conflict resolution options include:

• Meeting with the student's classroom teacher and special education case manager/teacher
• Meeting with the site Principal and/or Director of Student Services
• Requesting a meeting of the IEP team
• Requesting a facilitated IEP meeting (local SELPA acts as facilitator)
• Requesting an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• Requesting mediation from California Department of Education (CDE)
• Requesting due process from California Department of Education (CDE)

Parental Role and Helpful Hints

Attend IEP meetings and bring a list of possible questions, suggestions and concerns. Bring and discuss written records of pertinent developmental, medical, and educational information. Support and maintain close contact with your child’s IEP team.

Participate in parent groups to learn about special education, such as the Advisory Committee established by the SELPA.

Helpful Hints

• Keep your child's school informed of changes in child's health, routine, medication, behavior, and home environment.
• Insure that your child has adequate rest, nourishment and health so that he/she is ready to learn.
• Build your child's confidence by encouraging all learning efforts.
• Identify both strengths and needs of your child as you see them.
• Discuss homework alternatives.
• Read and play games with your child.
• Reward positive behavior.
• Provide opportunities for your child to experience new learning situations and then discuss them.

SELPA and SEAC

California is divided into 'areas' for the purposes of administering special education services for students with disabilities. These areas are called Special Education Local Planning Areas (SELPA). Each SELPA must submit a Local Plan to the state describing how services will be delivered to students receiving special education services in their planning area in accordance with the law.

California Education Code requires each Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) to establish a Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).  SEAC membership is comprised of parents with students who receive Special Education services, parents with students in general education, district staff from both special and general education, community agency representatives and community members who are interested in Special Education.