Administration of Written State Complaints

Lead Agencies are required to administer written state complaint procedures that align with the federal requirements under Part C of IDEA.

To assist States with meeting the requirements under Part C of IDEA, several resources have been curated or developed. These resources are not intended to interpret, modify, or replace any procedural safeguards or requirements of federal or state law.

Featured CADRE Resources

Written State Complaints under Part C of IDEA Manual

This manual includes information on the requirements for the administration of written state complaints under Part C of IDEA along with OSEP implementation guidance. Linked citations and other helpful resources, such as OSEP memos and letters are included. CADRE also offers some coaching questions and system improvement strategies for consideration.

screenshot of Written State Complaints under Part C of IDEA Manual

PDF

Customizable Word Document

(Please remove CADRE and OSEP logos if customizing and indicate that customized manual was modified from Written State Complaints Under Part C of IDEA, CADRE 2022.)

Webinars & Publications

Beyond Mediation and Facilitation: Exploring Early Resolution Options (CADRE archived webinar)
Investigating Systemic Complaints in the Pandemic: Lessons Learned (archived Symposium recording-Ohio)
A Split in the Road: Issues, Outcomes, and Remedies Between and Within State Complaint and Hearing Officer Decisions (CADRE archived webinar)
Constructive Individual and Systemic Approaches to Helping Frequent Filers (CADRE archived webinar)

Improving Your State’s Written State Complaint System

There is considerable flexibility as to how states administer complaints under IDEA. CADRE encourages states to assess their dispute resolution systems and processes, plan for improvement, and attend to the critical management functions of effective early intervention DR systems and processes by utilizing the information and tools found on CADRE’s Improving Your System online resource.

To ensure alignment of procedures and products with federal regulations, use OSEP’s Dispute Resolution Self-Assessment tool.

For state examples, visit CADRE’s Main Library and use the filter to refine your search or post a query to the listserv to request the most updated resources from your peers.