Tuition Payment Plans Available
Special Education Mediation
Parents and Schools do not always agree on how a student with special needs might best be served with services and educational opportunities. When these disputes arise, federal law requires that Mediation be made available to find a resolution. But there are not enough mediators across the United States to handle these special education cases.
Special Education mediation is a voluntary and confidential process. Unlike administrative hearings, where a judge makes decisions for the disputing parties, mediation allows the parties to collaborate and find their own solution. The mediator does not decide how to resolve the dispute, but has the training necessary to assist the parties in developing their own resolution.
The collaborative problem-solving process provided by mediation promotes positive communication, and the conflict resolution skills needed to develop viable solutions that are acceptable to parents and schools. It is an effective method for building positive working relationships between parents and schools.
Special Education Mediation Course Curriculum
Day 1 [Sessions 1 & 2]
Foundation & Process
Participants broaden their understanding of what special education is by taking an in-depth look at landmark cases and the current rules and regulations mandated by federal and state law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Participants will also spend time reviewing the current process school districts, parents, and children are involved in to be eligible for special education services, as well as challenges each party faces that often elicit mediation.
Day 2 [Sessions 3 & 4]
Essential Skills & Application
Participants learn what mediation is, as well as the legal requirements for Special Education mediation, and the essential mediation skills needed to guide clients toward fair and equitable agreements. Participants will be guided, step by step, on how to write a Written Agreement, applying all they’ve learned in exercises and assignments.
Learning Objectives
Define what special education is and current challenges faced within special education
Understand and reference both federal and state law as it pertains to special education
Understand the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process and components that will be discussed during
mediation.
Be knowledgeable of the most common complaints/issues that often lead to mediation.
Guide families and school personnel in the creation of effective educational plans that are unique to
each child.
Assist families and school personnel in resolving deadlocks and disagreements through conciliation,
empathy, and cooperation.
Make families and school districts aware of alternative complaint options in the event an agreement is
not reached.
Utilize techniques and skills to minimize or avoid conflict amongst families and school personnel.
Describe and implement ethical practices recommended when as a Special Education Mediator.
Write a Written Agreement on behalf of the school district and family to be executed and followed for
the child in special education.
Assist the family and school district in reaching a fair and amicable resolution of all issues presented,
considering options available to them when doing so.
Included with Tuition
The tax-deductible tuition for these programs is $695 and includes all of the necessary materials for classwork as well as resources for working with students and school districts after course completion, including:
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A Professional Special Education Mediation Certificate
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Resources and tools for handling cases
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Forms, templates, and a business model for either incorporating services into an existing practice or establishing new connections in school districts
Continuing Education Credits
This program is approved for 16 Continuing Education Credits for psychologists and other mental health professionals pending approval for Continuing Legal Education Credits for attorneys.
In order to receive credit you must attend all sessions in their entirety. In cases of emergencies, it my be possible to make up assignments to satisfy attendance requirements.
