Virginia IEP Facilitator
This position is contracted with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The Facilitated IEP Program is administered by the Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems (CIEES) on behalf of the VDOE.
Status: Contracted, per-case assignments (no guaranteed caseload)
Compensation: Per facilitated meeting, based on experience and case complexity
Location: Facilitators assigned regionally; meetings may be virtual or in person
Application Deadline: 02/13/2026
Program Overview
Virginia’s Facilitated IEP Program supports families and school divisions by providing neutral facilitation of IEP-related meetings before disputes escalate to mediation or due process. IEP Facilitators guide communication, support collaborative problem-solving, and help ensure meetings remain compliant with IDEA and Virginia special education regulations. Services are provided at no cost to families or school divisions.
Key Responsibilities
Meeting Facilitation
- Facilitate IEP, eligibility, and manifestation determination review (MDR) meetings
- Maintain neutrality while ensuring all participants are heard respectfully
- Support teams in clarifying agreements and disagreements while remaining student-focused
- Manage meeting dynamics in sessions typically lasting 2–4 hours
Process & Documentation
- Conduct pre-meeting preparation calls with participants
- Set and confirm meeting agendas
- Complete required program documentation and evaluation forms
- Maintain confidentiality and accurate records in accordance with program standards
Training & Preparation
- Complete required Virginia Facilitated IEP training
- Engage in ongoing professional development as identified by CIEES or the VDOE
- Collaborate with CIEES staff and fellow facilitators as part of the statewide program
Qualifications
Required Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrated understanding of IDEA and Virginia special education regulations
- Prior experience in facilitation, mediation, or conflict resolution
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Ability to remain neutral in emotionally charged situations
- Availability for flexible scheduling, including occasional evenings
Preferred Experience
- Special education experience (teacher, administrator, compliance specialist)
- Formal mediation or conflict-resolution training
- Ombudsman or dispute-resolution experience
- School counseling, social work, psychology, or related fields
- Retired educators or administrators with special education expertise
Compensation & Terms
- $400–$600 per facilitated meeting
- Contracted, per-case assignments; workload varies by region and demand
- Meetings may be virtual or in person; mileage reimbursement provided when applicable
- No guaranteed minimum caseload
- Facilitators must follow program guidance regarding documentation, timelines, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest
How to Apply
Submit the following by [Insert date]:
- Resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
- Brief cover letter describing:
- Facilitation or conflict-resolution experience
- Approach to maintaining neutrality
- Familiarity with special education processes
Apply here: Virginia IEP Facilitator Application
Questions? Contact CIEES Special Projects (ciees@odu.edu)
