The goal of the facilitated IEP meeting is to help IEP team members (including the family) communicate effectively and develop and educational programs to meet the child's needs. An independent IEP facilitator uses communication skills to help IEP team members work together and make decisions about the student's education.

Benefits of a facilitated IEP meeting include:

• Assistance in the development of a mutually agreed -upon IEP and other team decisions.
• The chance for team members to develop and keep good working relationships.
• Building the foundation for on-going communication and collaboration between the family and the school through out the year.
• The service is offered at no cost as a service of the local community mediation center.
• Having someone who is not an advocate for the parent or school system assist in the communication.