School & Education

If you’re in a dispute with your child’s school about your child’s special education services and supports, you should first try to resolve the issue with your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. You can do this by asking for an IEP meeting. You should ask for the meeting and explain your concerns in writing. The school must respond to your request for an IEP meeting within 10 calendar days.

If there is a problem that you haven’t been able to fix with the IEP team, there are safeguards in place to help you protect your rights. These safeguards also protect your child’s rights to access special education services. 

One of these safeguards is the right to formal conflict resolution. Conflict resolution options include: 

• Mediation,
• Requesting a due process hearing, and
• Filing a complaint with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Each of the options has pros and cons and specific rules. It's important to choose the option that you think will help solve your issue. Make sure you carefully research the rules.

Pursuing any conflict resolution proceeding isn't a quick fix. It may take several months before reaching a resolution. The process also requires an understanding of the rules and laws that apply. 

You should know that no one can retaliate against you just because you go for formal conflict resolution. If you feel like you are being retaliated against for pursuing mediation, a due process hearing, or by filing a complaint with ISBE, you should contact the Office for Civil Rights.