When you find yourself in a disagreement with your child’s IEP team, it’s helpful to know how to approach potential conflict with a collaborative, open mind.
You can start by calling the Matrix Helpline, (800) 578-2592 to go over you concerns with a Parent Advisor. We’ll help you to gain perspective and take a look at your options. We’ll also help you check your facts and choose your battles wisely. To learn more, read our packet on Resolving Disagreements.
You might want to access Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services provided to parents by SELPAs (Special Education Local Plan Areas). Read more below about resources and/or free services offered by the SELPA ADR in your county. There is also information about ADR from the statewide California SELPA Association. Today, there are 136 SELPAs in California!
North Bay SELPA ADR Programs:
MARIN • SOLANO • SONOMA
Two Additional ADR Resources from Seeds of Partnership:
- ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) California resource page
- Find a SELPA / SELPA ADR, Resources by County
MARIN COUNTY
Check out the bilingual resources for Alternative Dispute Resolution on the Marin County SELPA website. The SELPA ADR Coordinator listens to your concerns and helps you set up a process The SELPA ADR Coordinator listens to your concerns, helps you identify your interests. The SELPA ADR Coordinator listens to your concerns, helps you identify your interests and identifies a process to help, coordinates meetings, and monitors ADR Activities.. Contact the Marin County SELPA at 415.499.5850 and ask to speak to the ADR Coordinator.
SOLANO COUNTY (to top)
Access Solano County ADR program resources on their website. Their program includes:
- Training for parents and educators in effective communication and collaboration skills
- Providing an Independent Resource Parent for parents to contact to receive individual support
- Facilitating IEP meetings
- Assisting in Resolution Session meetings prior to a due process hearing
- Conducting informal mediation session
To get help, call the Solano County ADR Helpline (707) 399-4469
SONOMA COUNTY (to top)
Sonoma County SELPA ADR Program
- Read the Sonoma SELPA information about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Framework (PDF)
- Lea la información de Sonoma SELPA sobre Marco para Resolución Alternativa de Disputas (ADR) (PDF)
The Sonoma County SELPA & Sonoma County Charter SELPA will facilitate an Alternative Dispute Resolution process to help resolve conflicts between schools and families with children in special education.
The program serves the families of all children in special education within Sonoma County. Major components of the program include:
- Phone Mediation
- Facilitated IEP Meeting
- Independent Child Advocate
- Mediation