The Office of the Ombudsman provides an independent, confidential resource for students, families, employees, and community members, offering informal help to resolve concerns, problems, complaints, and other student-related issues.

The staff of Office of the Ombudsman will listen, review, and provide resources for information and referral; serve as a neutral advocate for fairness, equity, inclusion, and consistency; and foster positive working relationships.

The Parent Advocacy Handbook is now online. 

If you would like assistance from the Office of the Ombudsman please call or send us an email at ombudsman@fcps.edu to reach our office.

Our Mission and Vision

The Office of the Ombudsman is committed to supporting the mission of Fairfax County Public Schools in which all students are inspired and empowered to meet high academic standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens.

The Office of the Ombudsman works to serve students, families, employees, and community members by providing information about resources and how to access them, understanding concerns and providing support to resolve them.  The Office of the Ombudsman follows the four principles of the International Ombudsman Association:

• Confidentiality
• Independence
• Impartiality
• Informality

Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education

The role of the Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education is to serve as a resource, providing information and support to parents and students regarding special education services. It is the hope, that through providing transparency and understanding to families, children with special needs will receive all the services and supports required to equitably access public education.

Supports

1. Provide information and support to parents and students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate special education processes
2. Assist by sharing information regarding state and federal laws and regulations governing special education
3. Brainstorm informal options and/or strategies to address concerns
4. Work neutrally and objectively with families and school staff to help ensure a fair process is followed
5. Provide information related to parental role, as a member of the IEP team
6. Serve as a resource for disability-related information and referrals to other available programs and services for individuals with disabilities, including early intervention and transition to post-secondary services
7. Identify any patterns of concerns and/or complaints that emerge regarding special education services in FCPS

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