Dispute Resolution

Welcome to the Special Education Dispute Resolution website. The links below offer information on dispute resolution options available to parents and school districts regarding disputes that may arise during the Special Education process. In addition to information on Mediation, State Complaints, and Due Process Complaints, please explore our resources for early dispute resolution, understanding your rights, and important Special Education laws and regulations.

Mediation

Mediation is an informal, voluntary process in which a neutral person assists the parties in communicating and exploring possible options for resolving conflict. The goal of special education mediation is to help the parties reach their own mutually acceptable resolution of the disputed issues related to a student’s special education services.
Click here for more info on Mediation.

Model forms (use not required):
Mediation Request Form (PDF)
Mediation Request Form (Word)
Solicitud de Mediacion (PDF)

State Complaint

A State Complaint is a written complaint requesting an investigation of any alleged violations of the IDEA requirements. A State Complaints Officer will conduct an informal investigation, considering the information and interviews of the parties involved, and issue a written decision.
Click here for more info on State Complaints.

Model Forms (use not required):
State Complaint Form (PDF)
Queja con el Estado (PDF)

Due Process Complaint

A Due Process complaint is a process involving an Administrative Law Judge who conducts a hearing, much like a formal court proceeding. The ALJ considers the information and testimony offered by each side and issues a written decision.
Click here for more info on Due Process Complaints.

Model Forms (use not required):
Due Process Complaint Form (PDF)
Due Process Complaint Form (Word)
Queja de Debido Proceso (PDF)

Dispute Resolution Information

OSERS Questions and Answers on IDEA Part B Dispute Resolution Procedures
Procedural Safeguards Notice | Aviso de garantias de procedimiento
Parent and Child Rights in Special Education / Derechos de los padres y sus hijos (Amended 07/01/11)
Dispute Resolution Rights (brochure) | Derechos en la solucion de disputas
Dispute Resolution Options
State Complaint Procedures | Procedimientos Para Quejas a Nivel Estatal
Mediation Services | Servicios de Mediación
Restraint Complaints Office

General Special Education Information

The OSEP Spanish Glossary Project - Glossary of Common Terms related to IDEA (English / Espanol)
Special Education Guidance Documents
"Working Together: Building Improved Communication" - a collection of free resources is designed to support effective collaboration between parents, schools and early childhood programs. Courtesy of The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE).

Contact Us

For more information, or to speak with someone about dispute resolution options, contact:

Exceptional Student Services Unit, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80202 | Phone: 303-866-6694, Fax: 303-866-6767

Brandon Edelman, Esq.
Supervisor, Dispute Resolution
Email Brandon Edelman

303-866-6876

Tom Treinen, Esq.
State Complaints Officer
Email Tom Treinen
303-866-3801

Jennifer Woods
Dispute Resolution Paralegal & Coordinator
Email Jennifer Woods
303-866-6889

Cici Lyman

Program Support

Email Cici Lyman
303-866-4797

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If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact our web content coordinator Amanda Timmerman at Timmerman_A@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.

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