State-by-State Dispute Resolution Resources

Click any state on the map below to see four links for that state:

• 🏫 State Special Education Agency (SEA) — The state agency responsible for overseeing special education. Your starting point for procedural safeguards notices, policy documents, and general information.
• 📝 State Complaint — How to file a formal written complaint with your state education agency alleging a procedural violation of IDEA. This is separate from due process.
• ⚖️ Due Process / Impartial Hearing — How to request a formal impartial hearing to resolve disputes about your child's IEP, placement, or FAPE. Some states call this an "impartial hearing" rather than "due process."
• 🏛️ OCR Complaint — How to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) alleging discrimination under Section 504, Title II of the ADA, or other civil rights laws. The OCR portal is the same for all states.

Click any state tile to see its dispute resolution and special education links.

These resources apply to families in all 50 states regardless of which state's process you are navigating.

Both pathways are available under IDEA, and families may pursue both simultaneously on different issues. Understanding which pathway to use — and when — may help families navigate disagreements more effectively.

State Complaint

• Filed with your state education agency (SEA)
• Alleges that the district violated IDEA procedures (missed a deadline, failed to provide PWN, did not implement an IEP as written, etc.)
• The state must investigate and issue a written decision within 60 calendar days
• Can result in corrective action, compensatory services, or policy changes
• Does not require an attorney — families may self-file
• Complaints generally must be filed within 1 year of the alleged violation (varies by state)

Due Process / Impartial Hearing

• Filed with the local school district, which notifies the state
• Heard by an impartial hearing officer (IHO) — an independent adjudicator
• Addresses whether the district provided a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Includes a 30-day resolution period (unless waived) before the hearing begins
• Some states (e.g., New York, Pennsylvania) have a two-tier system with a State Review Officer (SRO) level before court
• The stay-put rule applies — child remains in current placement during the proceeding
• Must be filed within 2 years of when the parent knew or should have known of the violation (federal; state timelines may differ)

OCR Complaint

• Filed with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights at ocrcas.ed.gov
• Addresses alleged violations of Section 504, ADA Title II, or other federal civil rights laws
• Separate from the IDEA process — can be used even if the student has only a 504 Plan
• Must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act
• OCR investigates and may seek corrective agreements; OCR does not award compensatory education directly
• Does not require an attorney — families may self-file online