Answers to Questions about Facilitated Individual Education Plan (IEP/IFSP/IIIP) Meetings
Minnesota Special Education Mediation Service
Questions and Answers about Facilitated IEP/IIIP/IFSP* Meetings
WHAT IS A FACILITATED IEP MEETING?
A facilitated IEP meeting is an IEP meeting that includes an impartial facilitator who promotes effective communication and assists an IEP team in developing an acceptable IEP. The facilitator keeps the team focused on the proper development of the IEP while addressing conflicts that arise.
When can parents and school districts request a facilitator?
When the IEP team process has been difficult or ineffective at developing an IEP acceptable to the parents and school district, either party may seek to use a facilitator. A facilitator is used to improve communication within the team and to help the team resolve conflicts that arise. A facilitator is not used to resolve disputes unrelated to the IEP or to attend an IEP meeting that does not include all of the minimally required team members pursuant to 34 C.F.R. § 300.321.
How is a facilitated IEP meeting different from mediation?
The purpose of a facilitated IEP meeting is to develop an acceptable IEP and involves the required IEP team members, in addition to the facilitator. Mediation may deal with a broad range of issues and involves a balanced number of participants.
Where and when is a facilitated IEP meeting held?
Similar to any IEP meeting, a facilitated IEP meeting is scheduled by the district and is held at a time and place mutually agreed to by the parent and school. The district must give proper notice to the parent including the purpose, the time, and the place where the meeting will occur, and who will attend. Just as in any IEP meeting, parents can bring an advocate or other people at their discretion.
How long does the facilitated IEP meeting take?
A facilitated IEP meeting may take longer than a typical IEP meeting but the scheduled time should not exceed four hours. A facilitated IEP meeting can always be reconvened if consensus on the IEP is not reached at the first meeting.
Who is the facilitator?
Facilitators are individuals on the roster of Minnesota Special Education Mediation Service (MNSEMS) who have experience and training in IEP development and conflict resolution. The facilitator is not a decision-maker but models effective communication skills and offers ways to address and resolve conflict. They are impartial and do not represent the parent, the school district or the state.
For more information:
For more information about facilitated IEP meetings and the Minnesota Special Education Mediation Service or to obtain this material in a different format like large print, Braille or on tape, contact:
Patricia McGinnis, MNSEMS Coordinator
Telephone: 651-582-8222
Toll Free: 1-866-4MNSEMS (1-866-466-7367)
Fax: 651-582-8498
For TTY communication, contact the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529
*All references to the IEP include the IIIP (an interagency plan) and the IFSP (a plan for young children)
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