OSPI's building is closed to the public until further notice. OSPI will continue serving the public via phone, email, and the website.
See OSPI’s COVID-19 guidance and resources for educators, students, and families.
A citizen complaint is a written statement to OSPI alleging that a federal or state special education rule or law has been violated by:
Please note: OSPI can only investigate allegations that occurred within the past calendar year (from the date that OSPI received the complaint). See WAC 392-172A-05025
Any individual or organization may file a citizen complaint. OSPI can only investigate allegations that occurred within the past year.
No, just describe what you think the school district is, or is not, doing. You will also need to provide facts that support your claim.
A complaint must:
You must mail or fax the citizen complaint to:
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Attn: Special Education
P.O. Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
Fax: 360-586-0247
-AND-
The school district superintendent or other agency head
Get contact information for school districts
OSPI reviews the complaint and any additional documents you provide. OSPI will determine if you alleged a possible violation of IDEA Part B.
If you have not alleged a possible violation of IDEA Part B, we will send you a letter explaining why we are not opening an investigation.
If you have alleged a possible violation of IDEA Part B, we identify issues for investigation and notify the district that a complaint has been opened. The district is asked to provide a written response and documents supporting their response. Once OSPI receives the district's response, we will forward a copy to you (the complainant) and you may choose to send OSPI a reply. If the district or the complainant needs additional time to prepare a response or a reply, they must contact OSPI to ask for an extension and provide reasons for the request.
OSPI investigates a complaint by reviewing the documentation provided by both parties. When needed, we may request additional information, conduct interviews, review other student files, and/or conduct a site visit where the alleged violations occurred.
OSPI must issue a written decision no later than 60 days after receiving the complaint. There are two exceptions to this. First, an extension of time may be granted because of exceptional circumstances. Second, the parties agree in writing to extend the timelines to resolve the dispute through an alternative dispute resolution option, such as mediation.
If OSPI finds violations, it can order student specific and/or district specific remedies in the written decision. Remedies will vary depending on the facts of the complaint and the violations we found through the investigation process.
OSPI can only investigate allegations:
If a parent is requesting that the student be placed in a private school or residential facility because the parent believes the district is unable to provide Free Appropriate Public Education, the parent must make that request through a due process hearing. More information.
OSPI cannot investigate issues that are currently the subject of a due process hearing, or have been previously resolved in a due process hearing.
This information is intended to provide guidance about requirements under IDEA Part B. It does not address every requirement contained in chapter 392-172A WAC and it is not legal advice. The intent is to support and not replace careful study of the IDEA and Washington state regulations implementing the IDEA.