Many parents have enormous difficulty getting the help their child needs. If you have trouble getting services, or you disagree with the Department of Education’s recommendation for your child, you may request mediation. Mediation is a meeting with a representative from the Department of Education and an independent mediator.
If that doesn’t work, you may request an impartial hearing by writing to the Office of Impartial Hearings, 131 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Requests should include your child’s name and address, the name of her school, the nature of the problem and a proposed resolution. Hearing decisions may be appealed to the state.
Your child has a right to stay put in his current school while you are challenging the DOE. Both the parents and the school must agree to change a child's placement.