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University of the State of New YorkThe State Education Department
Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities
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Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals
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Special Education and
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Please note: This document has not been revised to reflect the new requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as reauthorized in 2004.
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The
University of the State of New York
The State Education Department
Office of Vocational and
Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Regents of the University
| Carl T. Hayden, Chancellor, A.B., J.D. | Elmira |
| Adelaide L. Sanford, Vice Chancellor, B.A., M.A., P.D. | Hollis |
| Diane O’Neill McGivern, B.S.N., M.A., Ph.D. . | Staten Island |
| Saul B. Cohen, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. | New Rochelle |
| James C. Dawson, A.A., B.A., M.S., Ph.D. | Peru |
| Robert M. Bennett, B.A., M.S. | Tonawanda |
Robert M. Johnson, B.S., J.D. |
Huntington |
| Anthony S. Bottar, B.A., J.D. | North Syracuse |
| Merryl H. Tisch, B.A., M.A. | New York |
| Ena L. Farley, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. | Brockport |
| Geraldine D. Chapey, B.A., M.A., Ed.D. | Belle Harbor |
| Arnold B. Gardner, B.A., LL.B. | Buffalo |
| Charlotte K. Frank, B.B.A., M.S.Ed., Ph.D. | New York |
| Harry Phillips, 3rd, B.A., M.S.F.S. | Hartsdale |
| Joseph E. Bowman, Jr., B.A., M.L.S., M.A., M.Ed., Ed.D | Albany |
| Lorraine A. Cortes-Vazquez, B.A., M.P.A. | Bronx |
President of the University and Commissioner of Education
Richard P. Mills
Chief Operating Officer
Richard H. Cate
Deputy Commissioner for Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Lawrence C. Gloeckler
Manager, Special Education Policy
Rita D. Levay
Coordinator, Program Development and Support Services
Fredric R. DeMay
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The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. Portions of this publication can be made available in a variety of formats, including braille, large print or audiotape, upon request. Inquiries concerning this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Department's Office for Diversity, Ethics and Access, Room 530 East, Education Building, Albany, New York 12234.
This brochure describes a cooperative way to help resolve differences of opinion between parents and school districts regarding special education programs and services. It also includes a form, found on the last page, which the parent of a child with a disability can use to request mediation.
Authorized for Duplication
Dear Parents and School District Personnel:
Special education mediation offers parents and school districts an opportunity to resolve issues or conflicts in a timely, non-adversarial manner. Parents and school district representatives who have used the mediation process are extremely positive about their experience.
This brochure will acquaint you with the process of mediation and answer questions you may have about how it works. I am sure that as you learn more about mediation, you will find it to be a valuable option. I encourage you to use the mediation process should you have the need to address differences of opinion or disputes regarding the provision of special education programs or services for a child with a disability. As you read this brochure, please consider how you as a parent or school district person might tap into the potential benefits and solutions that special education mediation provides.
If you would like to receive notification of our publications
via e-mail, register at http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/register.htm.
This publication is also available on the web at http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/
Sincerely,
Lawrence C. Gloeckler
Since July 1995, school districts have been required by New York State Education Law to make mediation available to parents in order to improve communication and cooperation and resolve matters related to special education programs and services.
In June 1997, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized and signed into law. Under the Act, all school districts nationwide are required to make special education mediation available to parents of children with disabilities. In New York State, the use of mediation is strongly encouraged as a means to resolve disagreements between parents and the school district Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) or Committee on Special Education (CSE).
This brochure is written for parents and school district personnel and presents important information regarding special education mediation. You are encouraged to duplicate the brochure and share it as widely as possible. It is VESID's goal to ensure that special education mediation is used to the maximum extent possible to resolve disputes between parents and school districts in a timely, non-adversarial manner. Mediation offers real solutions where everyone wins. This brochure provides helpful guidelines toward reaching those solutions.
All school districts must offer special education mediation to parents as a means to resolve disputes relating to the identification, evaluation, educational placement or the provision of a free appropriate public education for their child with a disability.
COOPERATION IN REACHING AN AGREEMENT
Special education mediation involves parent(s) or guardian(s) of a student with a disability and a representative of the school district working collaboratively with a mediator, who is an independent person. By asking questions and discussing all information with both parties, the mediator helps the parent(s) and the school district representative resolve disagreements, reach a more complete understanding of each other's concerns and agree upon the special education program for the student in a cooperative and timely manner. At the end of the mediation session, whatever the parent and the school district representative agree should be done is fully described in a written agreement. The student's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) or Committee on Special Education (CSE) must immediately amend the student's individualized education program (IEP) to be consistent with the mediation agreement. The district will then arrange to carry out the agreement. Agreement may be reached on any or all of the issues which were discussed during the mediation session. Any issue(s) not settled at the mediation session can be discussed further with the CPSE or the CSE or brought to an impartial hearing.
The agreement reached in mediation is binding upon the parties. Parents and representatives of school districts are in no way obligated to agree to services or programs that they do not feel are appropriate for the student. Any discussions that take place during mediation are confidential and cannot be used as evidence in any impartial hearing, appeal to the State Review Office or civil court proceeding. The parties to the mediation process may be required to sign a confidentiality pledge prior to commencement of the process.
TIMELY RESOLUTION OF ISSUES
Mediation must be scheduled in a timely manner and held in a location that is accessible and convenient to both parties. The meeting should be held at a neutral site, not at the school, usually within two weeks of the parent's written request to the CPSE, CSE or Board of Education. New York State law requires that special education mediations be conducted by a Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC). Each CDRC is staffed by a number of highly qualified mediators who are not employed by the school district or by the State Education Department. The mediators are volunteers who have various occupations and all have the special training and skills needed to facilitate the mediation process.
NO COST TO PARENTS OR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Neither parents nor school districts are responsible for the costs of special education mediation. Such costs are the responsibility of the State Education Department. (Please note information regarding attorneys’ fees.)
Parents may request mediation by completing the "Request for Due Process Proceedings" form at the end of this document. The parent sends it to his/her child's Committee on Preschool Special Education, Committee on Special Education or to the school district Board of Education. The school immediately forwards a parent's request to the local Community Dispute Resolution Center. The CDRC will assign a mediator and arrange a mediation meeting. Usually, the entire process is completed within two weeks of the CDRC's receipt of the request. School districts may also request mediation by informing the parent(s) that the school district is requesting mediation, providing the parents with all procedural safeguards, and requesting mediation through the CDRC. However, mediation is voluntary.
How is special education mediation different from an impartial hearing?
At mediation, the mediator facilitates communication between the school district and the child's parent or guardian to help them reach agreement regarding the issue(s) on which they disagree. At an impartial hearing, the hearing officer renders a decision on the issue(s) based on evidence and testimony.
How does the use of mediation affect parents' other due process rights?
Use of mediation to resolve a parent's concern does not in any way affect (deny or delay) the parent's other rights to due process, such as the right to an impartial hearing. A parent can request an impartial hearing at any time before, during, or after the mediation. Requesting an impartial hearing prior to or in the absence of mediation does not constitute that a person has failed to exhaust administrative remedies which has to do with awarding attorneys' fees in subsequent hearings. Mediation does not diminish or limit the due process rights of a parent, including the right to request an impartial hearing subsequent to mediation (section 4404-a of Education Law). Additionally, a parent may request an impartial hearing after terminating mediation if issues remain unresolved.
Is mediation voluntary?
Yes. Mediation is voluntary on the part of the parent and school district.
What happens if a parent chooses not to use the mediation process?
If a parent chooses not to participate in mediation, the school district may encourage the parent to participate in a meeting with a disinterested (neutral) party who is under contract with a CDRC. This person will explain the benefits of mediation and encourage the use of mediation to resolve disagreements. A representative of the CDRC will contact the parent to set up the meeting at a time and location convenient to the parents. There is no cost to either party for this meeting. If parents choose not to participate in this meeting, the district may not deny or delay a parent's right to an impartial hearing.
What are the qualifications of mediators?
Mediators are volunteers who receive specialized training in conflict resolution from one of the Community Dispute Resolution Centers. The CDRC ensures that the mediator is not employed by the school district and does not have a personal or professional conflict of interest. These mediators also receive updated training at least two times per year. In addition to this preparation, each mediator who will conduct a special education mediation has received training in special education laws and regulations from the State Education Department.
How are mediators selected?
Mediators are selected by the local Community Dispute Resolution Center on a random (for example: rotational) basis; or if not selected on a random basis, then by mutual agreement of both parties.
What are Community Dispute Resolution Centers?
Community Dispute Resolution Centers are nonprofit agencies which provide community dispute resolution services through the Unified Court System of the State of New York. They serve all 62 counties in the State and assist many individuals in resolving minor criminal, civil and interpersonal disputes, such as housing disputes and custody/visitation of children. As of July 1995, all CDRCs via the New York State Dispute Resolution Association have provided special education mediation.
Who can attend a mediation?
Generally, the parent(s) or guardian(s) and a representative of the school district attend mediation. Since mediation is intended to improve communication, the parties represent themselves in discussions regardless of who accompanies them. The school district representative who attends the mediation should be adequately informed and authorized by the school district to enter into an appropriate agreement. Either party may be accompanied by others, including an attorney. However, attorneys' fees cannot be reimbursed for mediation. The content of discussions held during the meeting will remain confidential regardless of who attends.
Where will the mediation take place?
The mediation meeting should take place at a location convenient to both parties. This is usually a site arranged by the local Community Dispute Resolution Center. The CDRC will contact both parties to be sure that the time, date, and location for the mediation meeting are convenient.
Is a school district required to provide the parent with information on his/her procedural safeguards?
A school district is required to provide the parent with information on all procedural safeguards when the parent or school district requests an impartial hearing. Procedural safeguards provide a full explanation of parent’s legal rights and protections under State and Federal law. The information will be provided in a Procedural Safeguards Notice in the parent's native language. If parents need additional assistance understanding their procedural safeguards, they can contact their CSE or CPSE, local Special Education Training and Resource Center (SETRC) or local Special Education Quality Assurance Regional Office.
How does the mediation agreement affect the student's individualized education program (IEP)?
The written agreement reached in mediation amends the individualized education program (IEP) and is binding upon the parties. The CPSE or CSE must immediately meet to amend the student's IEP to be consistent with the mediation agreement.
If mediation does not result in an agreement and an impartial hearing is initiated, can mediation discussions or summaries be submitted at the hearing?
No. Only the written mediation agreement may be presented as evidence at an impartial hearing subsequent to a mediation. No summary of actual discussions or offers of settlement will be permitted.
How do parents feel about their experiences with mediation?
Parents' comments regarding mediation include the following:
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What have school district representatives said about their mediation experiences?
School district representatives' comments include the following:
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How can I get more information regarding special education mediation?
Additional information may be obtained by contacting your Committee on Preschool Special Education, Committee on Special Education, or your local Special Education Training and Resource Center (SETRC). Information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) at (518) 486-7462, or http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn. The New York State Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (NYSDRA) coordinates the provision of special education mediation through local Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs). You may contact NYSDRA at (518) 465-2500, or http://www.nysdra.org for a list of local organizations.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
Q R S T U
V W X Y Z
(Listed by SETRC Locations)
Broome-Delaware-Tioga BOCES SETRC
435 Upper Glenwood Road
Binghamton, NY 13905-1699
(607) 763-3362 or 763-3303
Buffalo City SETRC
85 Military Road
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 871-6074 or 871-6075
Capital Region BOCES SETRC
Maywood School
1979 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 456-9069
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES SETRC
1825 Windfall Road
Olean, NY 14760
(716) 376-8224
Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES SETRC
5890 South Street Road
Auburn, NY 13021
(315) 253-0361
Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington BOCES SETRC
Box 455
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(518) 561-0100 Ext. 224
Delaware-Chenango BOCES SETRC
6678 County Road 32
Norwich, NY 13815-3554
(607) 335-1320
Dutchess BOCES SETRC
900 Dutchess Turnpike
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 486-4840 Ext. 3030
Erie 1 BOCES SETRC
1050 Maryvale Drive
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
(716) 630-4240
Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES SETRC
9520 Fredonia Stockton Road
Fredonia, NY 14063
(716) 672-4371 Ext. 2057/2060
Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES SETRC
Adirondack Educational Center
RD#1 - Box 7A
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
(518) 891-1330
Genesee Valley BOCES SETRC
80 Munson Street
LeRoy, NY 14483
(716) 344-7545
Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES SETRC
14 School Street
Broadalbin, NY 12025
(518) 883-6510
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES SETRC
352 Gros Blvd.
Herkimer, NY 13350-1499
(315) 867-2082
Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES SETRC
Arsenal Street Road
20104 NYS Route 3
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 779-7132
Madison-Oneida BOCES SETRC
4937 Spring Road, PO Box 168
Verona, NY 13478
(315) 361-5555
Monroe 1 BOCES SETRC
15 Linden Park
Rochester, NY 14625
(716) 249-7024
Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES SETRC
3599 Big Ridge Road
Spencerport, NY 14559
(716) 352-2443
Nassau County BOCES SETRC
Rosemary Kennedy School
2850 North Jerusalem Road
Wantagh, NY 11793
(516) 781-4922
NEW YORK CITY SETRC CENTRAL
131 Livingston Room 515
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 935-3898
NEW YORK CITY SETRC
REGION I
Manhattan SETRC Office
CSE 6
516 West 181st Street, Room 521
New York, NY 10033
(212)781-2598
SETRC/Teacher Center Office
48 East 21st Street
New York, New York 10010
(212) 260-7679 or 475-3737
Manhattan High Schools SETRC Office
Superintendent’s Office
Martin L. King, Jr., High School
122 Amsterdam Avenue Room 389
New York, NY 10023
(212) 501-1141
NEW YORK CITY SETRC
REGION II
District 10 SETRC Office
One Fordham Plaza, room 833
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 329-8084
Bronx High Schools SETRC Office
Superintendent’s Office
Herbert H. Lehman High School
3000 E. Tremont Avenue, Room 122
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 430-7700
NEW YORK CITY SETRC
REGION III
Brooklyn West SETRC Office
360 36th Street, Room 301
Brooklyn, NY 11232
(718) 487-6000
NEW YORK CITY SETRC
REGION IV
Brooklyn East SETRC Office
8814 Foster Ave. Room #106
Brooklyn, NY 11236
(718) 272-4843 Ext. 223
Brooklyn High Schools SETRC Office
Superintendent’s Office
Edward R. Murrow High School
1600 Avenue L, Room 270
Brooklyn, NY 11230
(718) 258-4826 Ext. 651
NEW YORK CITY SETRC
REGION V
Queens SETRC Office
Queens School for Career Development
142-10 Linden Boulevard, Room 228A
Jamaica, NY 11436
(718) 659-0152
Queens HS SETRC Office
Superintendent’s Office
30-48 Linden Place, Room 218
Flushing, NY 11354
(718) 281-7516
NEW YORK CITY SETRC
REGION VI
Staten Island SETRC Office
Petrides Center
715 Ocean Terrace Bldg. D11
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 720-7446
BASIS High Schools SETRC Office
Superintendent’s Office
Petrides Center Building A
715 Ocean Terrace Room 141B
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 390-1439
NEW YORK CITY SETRC
REGION VI
Alternative High School SETRC Office
45-18 Court Square
Long Island City, New York 11101
(718) 752-7396
Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES SETRC
Box 70
Middle Settlement Road
New Hartford, NY 13413
(315) 793-8614 or 793-8686
Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES SETRC
P.O. Box 4774
Syracuse, NY 13221
(315) 433-2645
Ontario-Seneca-Yates-Cayuga-Wayne BOCES SETRC
22 Teft Street
Clifton Springs, NY 14432
(315) 462-5056
Orange-Ulster BOCES SETRC
53 Gibson Road
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 291-0520
Orleans-Niagara BOCES SETRC
Kenan Site
195 Beattie Avenue
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 439-4329 or 439-4320
Oswego BOCES SETRC
County Route 64
Mexico, NY 13114
(315) 963-4320
Otsego-Northern Catskills BOCES SETRC
Cyr Center
Stamford, NY 12167
(607) 652-1240
Putnam-No. Westchester BOCES SETRC
200 BOCES Drive
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(845) 248-2290
Questar III BOCES SETRC
1943 Brookview Road
Castleton, NY 12033
(518) 732-4474
Rochester City SETRC
Central Administrative Offices
131 West Broad Street
Rochester, NY 14614
(716) 262-8710 or 262-8711
Rockland BOCES SETRC
65 Parrott Road - Building #10
West Nyack, NY 10994
(845) 627-4726
St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES SETRC
Learning Resource Center
7227 State Highway 56
Norwood, NY 13668
(315) 353-6175
Schuyler-Chemung-Tioga BOCES SETRC
Instructional Support Center
459 Philo Road
Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 739-3581 Ext. 2455
Steuben-Allegany BOCES SETRC
Hornell High School - Room 148
Hornell, NY 14843
(607) 324-7058
Eastern Suffolk BOCES SETRC
Masera Learning Center
650 Udall Road
West Islip, NY 11795
(631) 893-6534
Eastern Suffolk BOCES Bilingual SETRC
For Long Island/Nassau/Suffolk
350 Martha Avenue - Bunker
Bellport, NY 11713
(631) 286-6578
Sullivan BOCES SETRC
6 Wierk Avenue
Liberty, NY 12754
(845) 292-0082 ext. 131
Syracuse City SETRC
Teacher Center
1153 W. Fayette Street - 2nd Floor
Syracuse, NY 13204
(315) 435-4685
Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES SETRC
555 South Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1551 Ext. 276
Ulster BOCES SETRC
175 Route 32 North
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845) 255-1402 ext. 250
Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES SETRC
1153 Burgoyne Avenue
Fort Edward, NY 12828
(518) 746-3820
Westchester 2 BOCES SETRC
Instructional Services Department
2 Westchester Plaza
Elmsford, NY 10523
(914) 345-8500
Yonkers City SETRC
Yonkers Public Schools Annex
3 Prospect Street
Yonkers, New York 10701
(914) 376-8689 or 376-8690
A B C
D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q
R S T U V W X Y Z
(Listed by County)
To locate the Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) nearest you, refer to the website for The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA), http://www.nysdra.org for a list of local organizations.
Albany County
Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Inc.
30 Watervliet Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 446-0356
Allegany County
Dispute Settlement Center
110 West State Street
Olean, NY 14760
(716) 373-5133
Bronx County
IMCR Dispute Resolution Center
384 East 149th Street, Suite 330
Bronx, NY 10455
(718) 585-1190
Broome County
ACCORD, A Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.
Colonial Plaza
30 West State Street, 2nd floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 724-5153
Cattaraugus County
Dispute Settlement Center
110 West State Street
Olean, NY 14760
(716) 373-5133
Cayuga County
Center for Dispute Settlement
95 Genesee Street, 2nd Floor
Auburn, New York 13021
(315) 252-4260
Chautauqua County
Dispute Settlement Center
Municipal Building, 2nd Floor
200 East Third Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
(716) 483-7774
Chemung County
Community Dispute Resolution Center
215 East Church Street, Suite 204
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 734-9087
Chenango County
Dispute Resolution Center of Chenango/Delaware
Eaton Center
26 Conkey Road
Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 336-1982
Clinton County
Northern NY Centers for Conflict Resolution, Inc.
Federal Building
23 Brinkerhoff Street, B-1
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(518) 563-1227
Columbia County
Common Ground Dispute Resolution, Inc.
454 Warren Street
Hudson, New York 12534
(518) 828-0047
Cortland County
NEW JUSTICE Conflict Resolution Services of Cortland County
The McNeil Building
17-29 Main Street, Suite 412
Cortland, NY
(607) 753-6952
Delaware County
Dispute Resolution Center of Chenango/Delaware
Sherwood Road - Post Office Box 7
Delhi, NY 13753
(607) 746-6351
Dutchess County
Mediation Center of Dutchess County, Inc.
Family Partnership Building
29 N. Hamilton Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 471-7213
Erie County
Dispute Settlement Center
741 Delaware Avenue, Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 883-5050
Essex County
Northern NY Centers for Conflict Resolution, Inc.
Elba Town Hall
301 Main Street, Box 135
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-7234
Franklin County
Northern NY Centers for Conflict Resolution, Inc.
231 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
(518) 483-7498
Fulton County
Tri-County Mediation Center
23 Fremont Street
Gloversville, NY 12078
(518) 725-6016
Genesee County
Dispute Settlement Center
Genesee County Court
One West Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
(716) 344-2550 ext. 2416
Greene County
Common Ground Dispute Resolution, Inc.
11 William Street, Suite 1
Catskill, NY 12414
(518) 943-0523
Hamilton County
Northern NY Centers for Conflict Resolution, Inc.
The Village Hall
Elm Lake Road, Box 471
Speculator, NY 12164
(518) 548-8213
Herkimer County
Dispute Resolution Center of Herkimer County
61 West Street
Ilion, NY 13357
(315) 894-9917
Jefferson/Lewis County
Jefferson-Lewis Mediation Center, Inc.
7 Empall Plaza Courtyard
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-0333
Kings County
Safe Horizon-Brooklyn Mediation Program
210 Joralemon Street, Room 618
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 834-6671
Livingston County
Center for Dispute Settlement
Government Center, 6 Court Street
Geneseo, NY 14454
(716) 243-7007
Madison County
NEW JUSTICE Conflict Resolution Services of Madison County
121 Oneida Street, Box 365
Oneida, NY 13421
(315) 361-4438
Monroe County
Center for Dispute Settlement
300 State Street, Suite 301
Rochester, NY 14614
(716) 546-5110
Montgomery County
Tri-County Mediation Center
One Kimball Street
Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 842-4202
Nassau County
EAC, Inc.-Mediation Alternative Project
50 Clinton Street, Suite 102
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 489-7733
New York County
Safe Horizon-Manhattan Mediation Program
346 Broadway, Suite 400W
New York, NY 10013
(212) 577-1740
New York (Nothern) County
Washington Heights Inwood Coalition
652 West 187th Street
New York, NY 10033
(212) 781-6722
Niagara County
Dispute Settlement Center
Lockport Municipal Building
City Court, 1 Locks Plaza
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 373-3787
Oneida County
The Justice Center of Oneida County, Inc.
401 Columbia Street, 3rd Floor
Post Office Box 4249
Utica, NY 13504
(315) 471-4676
Onondaga County
NEW JUSTICE Conflict Resolution Services, Inc.
West Fayette Commons
1153 West Fayette Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
(315) 471-4676
Ontario County
Center for Dispute Settlement
120 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(716) 396-0840
Orange County
Dispute Resolution Center of Orange/Putnam Counties
14 Scotchtown Avenue, Box 510
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 294-8082
Orleans County
Dispute Settlement Center
741 Delaware Avenue, Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 883-5050
Oswego County
NEW JUSTICE Conflict Resolution Services of Oswego County
Public Safety Center
39 Churchill Road
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 345-9009
Otsego County
Mediation Services, Inc.
48 Dietz Street, Suite I-Front
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 433-1672
Putnam County
Dispute Resolution Center of Orange and Putnam Counties
1822 Route 6
Carmel, NY 10512
(845) 225-9555
Queens County
Community Mediation Services
89-64 163rd Street
Jamaica, NY 11432
(718) 523-6868
Rensselaer County
Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution of Rensselaer County
258 Broadway, 3rd Floor
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 687-0056
Richmond County
YPIS (You Participate in Solutions) of Staten Island, Inc.
130 Stuyvesant Place, 5th Floor
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 815-4557
Rockland County
VCS Center for Conflict Resolution
77 South Main Street
New City, NY 10956
(845) 634-5729
Saratoga County
Mediation Services of Saratoga, Warren & Washington
480 Broadway, LL-32
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 584-6361
Schenectady County
Law, Order and Justice Center
144 Barrett Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 346-1281
Schoharie County
Tri-County Mediation Center at SCCAP
Shoppers Mart Plaza
East Main Street
Cobleskill, NY 12043
(518) 234-2568
Schuyler County
Community Dispute Resolution Center, Inc.
221 North Franklin Street
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
(607) 535-7637
Seneca County
Center for Dispute Settlement
120 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(716) 396-0840
St. Lawrence County
Northern NY Centers for Conflict Resolution, Inc.
RC McEwen Custom House
127 North Water Street
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(315) 393-7079
Steuben County
Center for Dispute Settlement
240 West Water Street
Painted Post, NY 14870
(607) 936-1403
Suffolk County
EAC, Inc. Community Mediation Center
22 Lawrence Avenue, Suite 200
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265-0490
Sullivan County
Ulster-Sullivan Mediation, Inc.
14 St. John Street, Box 786
Monticello, NY 12701
(845) 794-3377
Tioga County
ACCORD, A Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.
16 Court Street
Room 204, PO Box 493
Owego, NY 13827
(607) 687-8222
Tompkins County
Community Dispute Resolution Center, Inc.
120 West State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 273-9347
Ulster County
Ulster-Sullivan Mediation, Inc.
25 Lucas Avenue, 2nd Floor
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 331-6136
Warren/Washington County
Mediation Services of Saratoga,
Warren & Washington Counties
35 Broad Street
Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518) 793-6212
Wayne County
Center for Dispute Settlement
120 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(315) 396-0840
Westchester County
Westchester Mediation Center of CLUSTER, Inc.
20 S. Broadway
Suite 501, Box 1248
Yonkers, NY 10702
(914) 963-6500
Wyoming County
Dispute Settlement Center
110 West State Street
Olean, NY 14760
(716) 373-5133
Yates County
Center for Dispute Settlement
120 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(716) 396-0840
The VESID Special Education Quality Assurance Offices are responsible for monitoring special education services through a collaborative Quality Assurance system and providing technical assistance to schools and residents of their regions. To locate the Special Education Quality Assurance Office nearest you, refer to the Special Education section of VESID's website, http://www.vesid.nysed.gov, for a map of New York State by BOCES and New York City Supervisory Region.
Eastern Regional Office
NYS Education Department
Special Education Quality Assurance
One Commerce Plaza - Room 1623
Albany, New York 12234
(518) 486-6366
(518) 486-7693 (Fax)
Hudson Valley Regional Office
NYS Education Department
Special Education Quality Assurance
1950 Edgewater Street
Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
(914) 245-0010
(914) 245-2952 (Fax)
Long Island Regional Office
NYS Education Department
Special Education Quality Assurance
The Kellum Educational Center
887 Kellum Street
Lindenhurst, New York 11757
(631) 884-8530
(631) 884-8540 (Fax)
New York City Office
NYS Education Department
Special Education Quality Assurance
55 Hanson Place - Room 545
Brooklyn, New York 11217-1580
(718) 722-4544
(718) 722-2032 (Fax)