Dispute Resolution

  • If a parent believes that the District has not complied with the Regulations Governing Students Who are Differently Abled or that their child’s rights has been violated, the Providence Public Schools encourages parents to resolve the issues through the following steps:

    • Communicating directly with the school staff, principal, or Director of Special Education.
    • Requesting an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting to discuss the issues with the Individualized Education Plan team.
    • Utilizing the Rhode Island Department of Education state-sponsored dispute resolution process to resolve the areas of concern. Additional information about this process through the Rhode Island Department of Education please contact their call center at (401) 222-8999.

     

    Dispute Resolution Process

    Families and schools have several options to assist them in resolving disagreements about special education services. If you need assistance with the option that is right for you. The Office of Diverse Learners at the Rhode Island Department of education operates a Call Center during regular business hours to assist families and school district personnel with special questions, please contact the Rhode Island Department of Education's Office of Diverse Learners at (401) 222-8999.

     

    Mediation Request

    Mediation offers an opportunity for family members and the school department to meet with a state appointed mediator to attempt to resolve differences of opinion involving the education and educational services provided to a child with a disability. Mediation request may be made by calling the Rhode Island Department of Education's Office of Diverse Learners at (401) 222-8999 during regular business hours.

     

    To file an Administrative Complaint, complete and mail the Complaint Form to the address on the bottom of the form. If you are not clear if the Complaint option is right for you, please contact the Rhode Island Department of Education's Office of Diverse Learners at (401) 222-8999.

     

    [Click here to Download the Mediation Request Form]

     

    Due Process Hearing Request

    To file a Due Process Hearing complete and mail the Due Process Hearing Request Form to the address on the bottom of the form. If you are not clear if the Due Process Hearing option is right for you, please contact the Rhode Island Department of Education's Office of Diverse Learners at (401) 222-8999.