IEP Facilitation
IEP facilitation is a voluntary process that can be utilized when all parties to an IEP meeting agree that the presence of a neutral third party would help facilitate communication and the successful drafting of the student’s IEP. This process is not necessary for most IEP meetings. Rather, it is most often utilized when there is a sense from any of the participants that the issues at the IEP meeting are creating an impasse or acrimonious climate. This is a state-sponsored dispute resolution option and is not mandated by Federal or State law.
The IEP Facilitator:
- Is not a member of the IEP team, but assists the IEP team to resolve conflicts and disagreements that arise during the meeting
- Helps to maintain open communication among all IEP team members, maintains impartiality, and does not write the IEP
- Builds and improves relationships among the IEP team members, and provides opportunities to resolve conflicts as they arise
ODR has developed a form that can be used to submit your request for IEP facilitation.
IEP Facilitation Request Forms
IEP Facilitation Video
This video explains the IEP facilitation process, including how to request, what to expect, how you can prepare, and the benefits of IEP facilitation.
Voices From The Field
Voices from the Field provides multiple perspectives on the value of IEP Facilitation as an early conflict resolution tool.
CADRE, the National Center for Dispute Resolution in Special Education, has developed guides for parents on various dispute resolution topics. The guides were written with the support of parent leaders from across the country. Please note that these documents were not developed by ODR and therefore do not include Pennsylvania-specific regulations and procedures.
IEP Facilitation: A Guide for Parents of Children and Youth