How does special-education (IDEA) mediation work, and who pays for it?

Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), state education agencies are required to make mediation available to parents and school districts in disputes about a student with a disability — including disagreements about evaluation, eligibility, services, or placement — and mediation can be requested at any stage, even before a due process complaint is filed. Participation is voluntary: both the parents and the district must agree to mediate. A distinctive feature is cost — the state education agency pays for the mediation, so it is provided at no charge to the parents. The mediator must be trained and knowledgeable about special-education law, the discussions are confidential, and any agreement reached is put in writing and is legally binding.