In an IEP meeting, a Facilitator can be requested by schools or parents to assist schools and families in collaboratively resolving conflicts.  This is called IEP Facilitation and is offered by USBE without cost. Participation by schools and parents is voluntary.  Facilitators are neutral and can help with creating an agenda and ground rules for the meeting, guiding the discussion to focus on the child’s needs, and talks through any problems that come up during the meeting.  Parents report that meetings run smoothly with a facilitator, however, districts often come with the same offering that led to the conflict rather than developing cooperative solutions.