The informal process of resolving conflicts in your child’s educational plans begins when a concern is first raised. This may be a concern brought to your attention by a teacher within the context of an IEP meeting or parent-teacher conference. Alternatively, it might be a growing concern of your own that your child is not receiving an appropriate education.

Who to contact:

Think about the problems and concerns that face you and decide whom to contact.

Consider the following:

• the role of the individual whom you might want to contact – Does the person’s job directly or indirectly relate to your concerns? Does the person have the power to make a decision that would resolve your concern? If not, is the person in a position to influence another individual who does have that power?
• the attitude of the individual toward yourself and your child – Does the individual want your child to succeed? Have you had conflicts with this person in the past? Have you worked well with this person in the past?

People to speak with at the school level:

 

 

• Teachers
• Principal, Vice-Principal, Dean, etc.
• School social worker, counselor, or psychologist

People to speak with at the school district level:

• Special Education director
• Superintendent
• Assistant superintendents
• Director of Equity
• School board members

Think about others who might be involved or have an interest in your child’s education. Does your child have a mentor or an advocate? Do you have a friend or relative who is a teacher or who works for the school district? Such people may be able to assist you in this process.