Family & Community Special Communities
Special Education Appeals

Facilitated IEP Team Meeting

IEP team meeting facilitation is a voluntary process, at no cost to the parties, that can be used when the parties to an IEP meeting agree that the presence of a neutral third party would assist them in communicating and in the successful drafting of an IEP for a student. All federal and state laws related to the development of the IEP continue to apply.

Though most IEP team meetings flow smoothly and do not need the assistance of a facilitator, sometimes conflicts arise, impasse occurs, new and or complex issues emerge, or other problems develop, and outside assistance is useful to maintain focus on the development of an IEP for the student.

The Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) is accepting requests for a facilitator to attend IEP team meetings. School districts and parents who agree to request a facilitator may do so by calling the BSEA. The BSEA's intent is to help special education TEAMs who may be experiencing difficulty to stay directed toward a discussion of the student's needs, make decisions, and reach agreement. Our goal is to assist IEP teams to develop and follow an agenda, stay focused on developing a satisfactory IEP, help members develop lasting relationships through consensus building and open communication, and to problem solve and resolve any disputes or disagreements as they arise in the meeting.

To request an IEP Team Meeting facilitator from the BSEA, call the Coordinator of Mediation, at 781-338-6443.