Special education in Ontario
Ontario has the most formalized special education process in Canada — IEPs, IPRC, SEA, and ministry-defined exceptionalities. The system has the structure to help your child, but only if you know how to use it.
The Ontario framework
Ontario's special education system is governed by the Education Act and Regulation 181/98. School boards must follow the ministry's Special Education in Ontario document and provide IEPs for identified students within 30 school days of placement.
How identification works
Identification can happen informally (an IEP without IPRC) or formally through an IPRC — the Identification, Placement and Review Committee. IPRC decisions are appealable.
Plan name in Ontario: Individual Education Plan (IEP) — required for IPRC-identified students
Your rights as a parent in Ontario
- Right to a free, appropriate public education with accommodation
- Right to consultation on the IEP within 30 school days
- Right to attend and participate in IPRC meetings
- Right to bring a support person or advocate to any meeting
- Right to appeal an IPRC decision within 30 days
- Right to request an IEP review at any reporting period
Key pathways
Email the principal. Reference any diagnoses or assessments. Ask for a 30-day timeline.
Write to the principal. The IPRC must meet within 15 school days of receiving the request.
Ask the school what's needed to initiate a Special Equipment Amount claim for assistive technology or equipment.
IPRC decisions on identification or placement can be appealed to the Special Education Appeal Board, then the Ontario Special Education Tribunal.
Ontario is where most of our advocacy work is concentrated. We routinely sit at IEP and IPRC tables across the GTA and beyond.
Need help with your child's IEP or school supports?
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