Parents have the right to disagree with decisions that the school system makes. When parents have a special education concern, several dispute resolution options are available to address and resolve the disagreement. Issues can often be resolved informally at a classroom or school level, but more formal complaint options are available.
- Informal Meetings Most concerns can be resolved through direct discussions with the teacher or school staff.
- Facilitation or Mediation Voluntary and confidential free services aimed at resolving disputes related to special education and early intervention services.
- State Complaint If you believe your child’s educational rights have been violated or their IEP or IFSP is not being followed, you can file a formal complaint with the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education.
- Due Process Complaint and Hearing A due process complaint requests a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge due to disagreements concerning the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or provision of FAPE.
- Civil Rights Concerns involving harassment, access issues, or civil rights violations can be addressed through the federal Office for Civil Rights or Michigan Department for Civil Rights.
More Resources
- Compliance Outcomes Compliance protections are not bureaucratic check boxes—they are the legal guarantee that a child with a disability cannot be denied access or discriminated against. When a district falls short of meeting the requirements of IDEA, a real child is being denied something they are legally and morally entitled to. Correcting identified noncompliance is not punitive—it is OSE fulfilling its legal and moral responsibility to students with disabilities who cannot wait.
- Special Education Dispute Resolution Options MDE-OSE
Michigan Alliance for Families is here to help parents. Contact us with questions. Check out our calendar of upcoming events. Recorded videos are available for viewing at any time.
