Dispute Resolution and Compliance Services

The Department of Dispute Resolution and Compliance Services helps families and schools address and prevent conflicts related to special education. It provides the formal dispute-resolution options required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including parent complaints, mediation, state complaints, and due process hearings.

Dispute Resolution Services:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that States and Districts make available formal processes for families of children with disabilities age 3 through 21 and public schools to resolve special education-related disputes. The District is required to provide families with a variety of dispute resolution options to resolve possible violations of IDEA through:

• Parent Complaints (Local Conflict)
• Mediation
• State Complaints
• Due Process Complaint

Compliance Services:

In order to minimize disputes between parents and schools and to ensure that Federal (IDEA), State (State Board Rules) and Local (School Board Policies) Laws, Rules and Policies are followed, the ESE Division of Broward County School Board provides supports to families and schools in maintaining compliance. Local Policies and Procedures are reviewed and updated regularly in order to ensure compliance with all Federal, State and Local Laws, Rules and Policies.

Some tasks the Compliance Staff assist with:

• Responding to parent concerns
• Monitoring implementation of Federal, State and Local Policies and Procedures
• Technical assistance to schools and families
• Trainings – onsite and district-wide
• State Monitoring activities

For more information, please contact the Dispute Resolution and Compliance office at (754) 321-3411.