Baltimore Community Mediation Center

Having IEP team meetings facilitated by an independent; trained "facilitator" is rapidly becoming a popular means for parents and school personnel to reach agreement in the educational decision making process for students needing or suspected of needing special education services. The independent facilitator is a trained volunteer from a community mediation center; generally located in the jurisdiction where the student attends school; or in another community close to where the student attends school. The independent facilitator has completed a 50-hour training course in mediation skills; has experience mediating a variety of disputes; and has completed a 3-day training in IEP Team Meeting Facilitation. The independent facilitator is not a member of the IEP team and does not have a relationship with the school or the parents; other than to assist in the meeting. The independent facilitator remains neutral and focuses on the process while the team makes the decisions. There is no cost; to the parent or the school; tohave an independent facilitator assist in the IEP process.