Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process that allows people to resolve disputes without a formal due process hearing. It provides an opportunity for immediate improvement in communication between the DOE and the parent. Through mediation, an impartial mediator helps the parents and the DOE understand the other’s views and positions, discuss the issues, and reach an agreement. The mediator does not take positions or sides. Mediations are scheduled and facilitated by borough Centers for Dispute Resolution.
If an agreement is reached by everyone, it is considered a binding agreement. This means that it cannot be changed or appealed.
Mediation may be requested at the same time as an impartial hearing, and may be requested in place of, or in addition to, the resolution session. If mediation is requested at the same time as an impartial hearing, the Community Dispute Resolution Center will attempt to schedule mediation prior to the impartial hearing.
For more information regarding mediation, please see the Standard Operating Procedures Manual section on Due Process.
Requesting Mediation
Mediation may be requested without an impartial hearing request, at the same time as an impartial hearing request, or after an impartial hearing request has already been filed.
You can request a hearing in writing by emailing the impartial hearing office at IHOQuest@schools.nyc.gov. Include the following information:
- Your child's full name and the address where your child lives.
- Your child’s ID number (if you know it)
- Your child’s birth date
- The name of the school your child attends
- Your name and contact information, including email.
- Your description of the problem, with as many facts as you know.
- The solution you want the DOE to provide.
If you prefer to submit it by mail, send the original to: Impartial Hearing Office 131 Livingston Street, Room 201 Brooklyn, New York 11201.
You may also fax your mediation request to the Impartial Hearing Office at (718) 391-6181. The New York State Education Department does not accept receipt of mediation requests.
Please keep a copy for your own records.
Mediation Request Form: You can use the Request for Special Education Mediation form to help you write your request, but it is not required. This completed form should be attached to the email.
Centers for Dispute Resolution
Bronx
Institute for Mediation and Conflict Resolution (IMCR)
384 East 149th St, Suite 303
Bronx, NY 10455
Phone: 718-585-1190
IMCR Website
Brooklyn
New York Peace Institute
210 Joralemon St, Suite 618
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-834-6671
New York Peace Institute Website
Manhattan
New York Peace Institute
111 John Street, Suite 600
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-577-1740
New York Peace Institute Website
Queens
Community Mediation Services
89-64 163rd St
Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone: 718-523-6868
Community Mediation Services Website
Staten Island
NY Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID)
130 Stuyvesant Place, 5th FL
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: 718-815-4557
NYCID Website