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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.

The Frederick County Office for Children and Families, home of the Local Management Board, seeks to create a more efficient and effective system of care for the children and families of Frederick County.

Based at Rock Creek, this program serves parents and ?educational professionals of all Frederick County children and youth with ?disabilities from ages 3 through 21. For parents, Partners for Success offers individual consultation, an information and referral ?service, problem-solving assistance, training and support. For educators, the program provides information about disabilities and support for making accommodations for ?students with ?special needs