• Who may file a complaint?
• Does this process apply to all students?
• What does the complaint need to include?
• Where do I send my complaint?
• What does the Department do with my complaint?
• How long is the complaint investigation?
• What happens after the investigation?
• Who can I call if I have questions?

Only a parent or guardian may file a complaint about his or her child.

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Any students in kindergarten through grade 12 (general education students and students with disabilities) are eligible for this process.

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A complaint must include the following:

•  Student’s name, address and school district or other agency believed to have violated the requirements of OAC 3301-35-15 G through K.
• The parent or guardian’s signature and contact information of the complainant.
• Statements that the school district or education agency violated requirements of the OAC 3301-35-15 G through K, facts upon which the statements are based and proposed resolutions.

A parent or guardian may use this restraint and seclusion complaint form (coming soon) to submit the complaint electronically or write a letter to mail the complaint.

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Mail the complaint to:

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• An education program specialist reviews the complaint and identifies issues for investigation. The Department sends a letter of allegations to the parent or guardian and superintendent with the alleged issues and requests documentation specific to the issues.
• An education program specialist conducts a neutral investigation by reviewing the documentation provided by both parties. When needed, the education program specialist may request additional information, conduct interviews or conduct a site visit where the alleged violations occurred.
• Using the facts provided by the parent or guardian and the district, the education program specialist determines if a violation took place and writes a letter of findings that is sent to the parent or guardian and the district.

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The parent or guardian and school district are notified electronically and via the U.S. Postal Service:   

• If no violations are found, the complaint is closed.
• If there is a violation, the education program specialist issues a student-specific and/or district corrective action plan within the letter of findings, and the district must complete any corrective action by the identified date.

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