The Family Liaison serves as a bridge between families and the Special Education department to ensure families feel informed about and engaged with their student’s special education services.

Scroll down to learn more about contact information, services provided and frequently asked questions.

Services Provided

  • Assist families in understanding special education policies and procedures within the district and how to navigate services and supports
  • Confidential and impartial consultation about a special education concern or issue and available resolution options
  • Connect families to appropriate personnel in the district or disability-related community resources

The Family Liaison does not: act as an advocate, serve as a case manager, offer legal advice, act as a compliance office, determine services, attend IEP/evaluation meetings, or provide facilitation/mediation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Family Liaison?

The Special Education Family Liaison serves as a bridge between families and the Special Education department. The Liaison can help you navigate special education services in the district and explain policies and procedures.  The Liaison remains neutral in their support and does not advocate on behalf of any one party, but rather advocates for a fair process. Conversations with the Liaison are confidential and informal.

Who can contact the Family Liaison?

Any family with a student in the Bellevue School District attendance area who has a question or concern about Special Education services. School staff and community partners may also contact the Liaison.

I have a concern about my student’s special education services, can the Liaison help?

The Liaison can meet with you to discuss your concerns. The Liaison can also help connect you with your team to address the concern or need.

Can the Liaison attend IEP/evaluation meetings with me?

No. The Liaison can meet with you before a meeting to ensure you understand what the meeting is about and help you feel prepared for it. The Liaison can help organize any questions you may have for your team or help you prepare what you want to share with your team. The Liaison can also help connect you to community partners who may serve as an educational advocate for you.

I need support in communicating with my IEP team, what do I do?

The Liaison can listen to your needs and help you develop a plan. The first point of contact for communicating with the IEP team is your student’s case manager. If you are not sure who your case manager is, check your student’s IEP, ParentVue, or the Liaison can help you identify who it is.

Are conversations with the Family Liaison confidential?

Yes, the Liaison serves as a neutral party, and conversations are kept confidential unless a family requests information to be shared with others in the department or school. All school district staff are mandated reporters, however, so the Family Liaison is obligated to report any child abuse or neglect.

Can the Liaison determine services for my student?

No, the Liaison is not part of the IEP team and is not involved in making decisions about services. The Liaison can support you in navigating services through the district.

How can I find disability-related community resources?

The Liaison can meet with you to discuss your needs and assist you in connecting to the appropriate resource. Click here for a list of disability-related resources. If you have a different resource need (ex. Housing, food, etc.) please contact your school’s Family Engagement Specialist or visit the Family Hub at Highland Middle School.


The Bellevue School District acknowledges that we learn, work, live and gather on the Indigenous Land of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish and Snoqualmie Tribes. We thank these caretakers of this land, who have lived and continue to live here, since time immemorial.