This would allow time for you and the school or agency to gather more information and data. If after a second meeting there is still a conflict over your child's program, you should ask for a state mediator or a due process hearing. Local and state education agencies have information to help guide you through the special education process. Since there is great variation in the specific criteria and procedures employed by school districts, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the information they provide. You will find your local director of special education and his or her staff helpful in accessing such information and guiding you through the process.
Additional resources are available from national organizations.
Some of them will also be able to direct you to local and state chapters that can provide more locally based support. Almost all of the states now have federally supported parent information and training centers. ERIC Digests are in the public domain and may be freely reproduced and disseminated. The opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of OERI or the Department of Education.