(a) A parent or guardian of a child requiring special education and related services, pursuant to sections 10-76a to 10-76g, inclusive, a child if such child is an emancipated minor or eighteen years of age or older requiring such services, a surrogate parent appointed pursuant to section 10-94g, the Commissioner of Children and Families, or a designee of said commissioner, on behalf of any such child in the custody of said commissioner or the local or regional board of education responsible for providing special education and related services for a child, may request a mediation through the Mediation Services Coordinator, employed pursuant to section 10-76z, at any time for any matter related to the provision of special education for a child, including, but not limited to, identification, evaluation, educational placement or implementation of an individualized education program.

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(b) Upon receipt of a request for a mediation, the Mediation Services Coordinator shall provide notification to the requester of such mediation and any other parties subject to the request of such mediation (1) that a conflict exists between such parties, (2) about the mediation process, including, but not limited to, stating that mediation is voluntary and facilitated by a neutral mediator, and (3) to invite all parties to participate in mediation. The coordinator shall provide language translation services provided (A) by an interpreter who is present in person or available by telephone or through an online technology platform, or (B) through an Internet web site or other electronic application approved by the State Board of Education.