Mediation sessions are scheduled for a whole day. More time can be scheduled if necessary. Either party may bring an attorney. A mediator's role is to suggest solutions and help the parties develop their own solutions. When the parties work together to resolve a problem, everyone wins.
Parties have the option of choosing either a neutral conference or a hearing.
Mediation is a free service provided by the Department of Education. A voluntary, informal process in which a neutral reviews the strengths and weaknesses of a case and issues a recommendation. If you have a problem with your child's IEP, placement, coding, or other dispute with your district regarding your child's education, a neutral conference is a fast and effective alternative to a formal hearing. To review the strengths and weaknesses of the case and to issue a recommendation. Neutrals are selected by the Department of Education.