TEIS Complaint Resolution
Families and children receiving TEIS services have rights under the IDEA to protect them. Families must be informed of these rights throughout their time receiving TEIS services so they can have an active role in the services provided to their family.
Parents and children participating in TEIS have specific rights to resolve disagreements related to their experience in early intervention. In addition, any person or organization can file a complaint related to a violation of IDEA. There are three methods available to resolve disputes:
Any person or organization can file a complaint if they believe an agency or person providing early intervention services, including the Department of Disability and Aging, has violated the IDEA’s requirements involving early intervention services. For instance, parents of a child receiving early intervention services can file a written complaint when they disagree with anything related to the services their child and family are receiving. Examples of IDEA violations may include, but are not limited to:
- Refusing to do something the IFSP team agreed to like conducting an assessment or providing a service;
- Failure to meet important deadlines like determining eligibility and developing an IFSP in 45 days; or
- Not allowing parents/guardians to look at their child's early intervention records.
Once your complaint is received the department will review. You may submit additional information either verbally or in writing about the complaint. You will be notified of the results of the review within 60 calendar days.
Individuals can submit Administrative Complaints via email to Kelly.L.Hyde@tn.gov. A model form is linked below.
**A hard copy of this form is available through local TEIS offices or by emailing Shannon.Pargin@tn.gov.
Disagreements can be worked out with the help of a mediator. Mediation is a process for resolving disagreements between families, early intervention services providers, and/or TEIS using a third party to help reach an agreement.
Individuals can submit a mediation request via email to Kelly.L.Hyde@tn.gov. A model form is linked below.
**A hard copy of this form is available through local TEIS offices or by emailing Shannon.Pargin@tn.gov.
Hearings are the most formal way to resolve disputes. An administrative judge hears from both parties and decides on the outcome.
For instance, families can request a hearing if they disagree with a decision or action that affects their child’s identification, eligibility determination, placement, or the services their child receives. Individuals can submit a Due Process request via email to Kelly.L.Hyde@tn.gov. A model form is linked below.
**A hard copy of this form is available through local TEIS offices or by emailing Shannon.Pargin@tn.gov.
Related Policies
Additional policies related to dispute resolution can be found on the Guidance & Policy webpage.
Refer a child to TEIS
You may make a referral to TEIS by completing our online referral form or by calling (800) 852-7157. The referral form can also be found in the MyTN app, available on your app store.
Please be prepared to provide the child’s name, date of birth, county of residence, parent information (if someone other than the parent calls), and reason for referral.
Contact Our Referral Team
Email: DD.TEIS_Referrals@tn.gov (note the underscore between “TEIS” and “Referrals”)
Phone: (800) 852-7157
Fax: 615-401-7714