Complaint Procedures

Filing a Complaint

Any individual, public agency, or organization may file a complaint with the local school district office (local education agency) or the California Department of Education (CDE) alleging a matter which, if true, would constitute a violation of federal or state law or regulation governing special education and related services. The complaint must specify all relevant facts and provide information to support the complaint. A due process complaint is a complaint filed by an individual and/or organization on matters of conflict related to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires school districts to have procedures in place that make due process available to parents and public agencies to resolve a dispute involving any matter arising under IDEA Part B. These procedures include both the due process complaint and the due process hearing.

Questions: E-mail Due Process Analyst | Phone: 760-955-3553