7690 - Special Education Mediation

Policy: Special Education Mediation	Policy Number: 7690
Date of Original Policy: 07/10/2002	Date Revision Adopted: 0 02/03/2021
Reviewed by Policy Committee: 01/13/2021	Date of Next Review: 01/13/2024
Replacement of Policy Number:

The District will offer mediation as an alternative to the impartial hearing process in disputes regarding the provision of a free, appropriate public education for students identified by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) as having a disability, or students suspected of having a disability.  Such mediation shall be conducted by mediators furnished by a Community Dispute Resolution Center under Article 21-A of the Judiciary Law.  

Parents or persons in parental relation to students suspected of or having disabilities will receive written notice of the availability of the mediation program each time they receive notice of their entitlement to the impartial hearing procedures in accordance with Federal and State law and regulations.

Mediation will not operate to diminish or limit any rights provided for in law, including the right of the parent or person in parental relation to request an impartial hearing subsequent to mediation. Parents or persons in parental relation to students suspected of or having disabilities continue to have full access to all rights, including due process procedures, provided for in 34 Code of Federal Regulations Sections 300.500-300.515 and in 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations Section 200.5(c).  Similarly, mediation shall not be construed to limit a parent or person in parental relationship from requesting an impartial hearing without having first utilized mediation procedures set forth in Education Law.  
 
Education Law Section 4404-a