General Information on Special Education

This Self-Help section of this website is intended to help parties better understand due process hearings and mediations, and to prepare documents needed for each step in the special education process. Provided below is a list of general information on the Special Education mediation and hearing process available in this Self-Help section.

This same information is available in OAH’s Special Education Handbook. A copy of this Handbook is available in either an electronic format (e.g. a PDF) or in a paper copy format. To request to have a PDF version emailed to you, or to have a paper copy mailed to you, contact OAH either by email or telephone using the contact information shown below. 

TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE HANDBOOK:

To download a copy of the Handbook click on DOWNLOAD HANDBOOK. You may also request that a copy be sent to you by U.S. mail or by email. To request a copy be mailed to you via U.S. mail, or to have a copy emailed to you, see the instructions below.

• For a paper copy provide a complete mailing address and telephone number (in case staff needs to contact you to confirm your mailing address.) 
• For an electronic (PDF) copy, provide a complete email address and a telephone number (in case staff needs to contact you to confirm your mailing address.)

OAH CONTACT INFORMATION TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE HANDBOOK:

OAH’s Telephone Number (Message Only): 916-263-0880

OAH’s Email: DGSOAHFeedback@dgs.ca.gov

You may also send a request by mail to the address shown below.

Address:

Special Education Division 
Office of Administrative Hearings 
2349 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200 
Sacramento, CA 95833

List of Free or Low-Cost Advocates or Attorneys

For those seeking the assistance of either a Special Education Advocate or a Special Education Attorney, OAH provides, as a resource, a list of advocates and attorneys who self-certify that they provide their services free or at a low-cost. To view this list on this website please go to the section "Free or Low-Cost Advocates and Attorneys Lists".

You may request a printed copy of this list either by U.S. mail or by telephone, or by submitting a request by email. The address, telephone number, and email information to obtain a printed copy of this list is shown below.

TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE LIST OF FREE OR LOW-COST ADVOCATES OR ATTORNEYS:

  When making a request for a copy of this list, either by telephone or by email using the Contact Information below, you will need to provide the information identified below based on the format requested:

• For a paper copy provide a complete mailing address and telephone number (in case staff needs to contact you to confirm your mailing address.) 
• For an electronic (PDF) copy, provide a complete email address and a telephone number (in case staff needs to contact you to confirm your mailing address.)

OAH CONTACT INFORMATION TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE LIST OF FREE OR LOW-COST ADVOCATES OR ATTORNEYS:

OAH’s Telephone Number (Message Only): 916-263-0880

OAH’s Email: DGSOAHFeedback@dgs.ca.gov

You may also send a request by mail to the address shown below.

Address:

Special Education Division 
Office of Administrative Hearings 
2349 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200 
Sacramento, CA 95833 

Please see Free or Low-Cost Advocates and Attorneys Lists.

State Complaint Alleging Violation of the IDEA

You may file a state compliance complaint when you believe that a school district has violated federal or state special education laws or regulations. The violation must have occurred not more than one year prior to the date the complaint is received by the CDE.  When filing a complaint, you must forward a copy of the complaint to the school district at the same time you file a state compliance complaint with the CDE. (34 CFR Section 300.151-152; 5 CCR Section 4600)

Complaints alleging violations of federal and state special education laws or regulations may be mailed to:

California Department of Education 

Special Education Division - Dispute Resolution Unit

1430 N Street, Suite 1430 
Sacramento, CA 95814 

You may also email your complaint to specialeducation@cde.ca.gov speceduation@cde.ca.gov

For complaints involving issues not covered by federal or state special education laws or regulations, consult your district's uniform complaint procedures.

To obtain more information about dispute resolution, including how to file a complaint, contact the CDE, Special Education Division, Dispute Resolution Unit, by telephone at 800-926-0648; by fax at 916-327-3704; or by visiting the CDE, Special Education web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/index.asp.

Public Records Act Requests

If you wish to request records that fall within the Public Records Act please see Make a Public Records Request on the Office of Administrative Hearings main website pages.