C.R.S. § 22-29.5-104: Grievance process - coordinator - training.

(1) A local education provider shall:

(a) Adopt a grievance process that incorporates appropriate due process standards and provides for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by section 504, which may be satisfied by adopting a section 504 grievance process that fulfills the requirements of 34 CFR 104.7. The local education provider is not required to apply its grievance procedure to allegations related to the identification, evaluation, placement, or provision of free education pursuant to an IEP.

(b) Designate at least one responsible employee to oversee compliance with this article 29.5 and serve as a point of contact for students, parents, the department, and third parties subject to the following:

(I) The responsible employee must receive training about how to comply with the requirements of this article 29.5, including creating inclusive and respectful environments for students with disabilities, disability rights, and the disability rights grievance process within sixty days of being designated;

(II) In addition to overseeing compliance with this article 29.5 and serving as a point of contact for students, parents, and third parties who have questions or concerns about the requirements of this article 29.5, the responsible employee may also serve as the responsible employee required by 34 CFR 104.7 (a); and

(III) A local education provider shall provide the responsible employee with the necessary time, resources, and authority to fulfill the obligations set forth in this article 29.5;

(c) Provide initial and continuing notification to students and parents that the local education provider must not discriminate on the basis of disability. The notification shall include the name, title, phone number, and email address of the responsible employee designated pursuant to subsection (1)(b) of this section. A local education provider shall provide the initial notification required by this subsection (1)(c) on or before April 1, 2027. Methods of initial and continuing notification include the public posting of hard-copy notices in schools and in the central office building of a school; inclusion in student and employee handbooks; inclusion in newsletters, mass emails, and information sent home to parents; placement of notices in the local education provider's publications and online materials, including the local education provider's website and social media; or distribution of memoranda or other written communications. This notice requirement may be met in conjunction with any notice required by 34 CFR 104.8, or 28 CFR 35.106.

(d) Train relevant staff annually about the essential requirements of this article 29.5. For purposes of this section, "relevant staff" includes the employee designated pursuant to this section, at least one administrator or designee from each educational building on the local education provider's premises, and at least one other staff regularly involved with developing, implementing, and coordinating plans in accordance with this article 29.5. If a local education provider has a building-specific coordinator responsible for compliance with section 504 and this article 29.5, that individual may attend the training instead of a building administrator.