If your child is struggling at school, you may have heard teachers mention an "IEP" or an "IPRC." These are the two main tools Ontario schools use to plan support for students with special education needs. Knowing how they work, and what you can ask for, helps you speak up for your child with confidence. This guide walks you through what an IEP is, the two ways to get one, what it must include and what to do if you disagree.
This is general information, not legal or education advice. Your school board's own guide and Ontario's rules are the ones that count.
What an IEP is
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a written plan. Ontario says it describes the special education programs, accommodations and services a school board will provide for a student. It's based on an assessment of your child's strengths, needs and how they learn and show what they know.
An IEP can include three kinds of support:
Accommodations. Changes to how your child learns or shows learning, such as extra time, a quiet space or assistive technology. The grade-level expectations stay the same.
Modifications. Changes to what your child is expected to learn, with expectations above or below grade level in a subject.
Alternative expectations. Goals for knowledge and skills that aren't part of the regular Ontario curriculum.
Your child's report card must link to the programs and expectations in their IEP.
Two ways to get an IEP
Ontario says your child can have an IEP for one of two reasons.
Route 1: Without a formal identification. A school may create an IEP for a student who hasn't been formally identified, if the board decides the student needs special education programs or services to attend school, meet curriculum expectations or show their learning. Many students get support this way. If you think your child needs an IEP, Ontario suggests talking to your child's teacher or the school's special education teacher.
Route 2: Through an IPRC. An Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) is a school board committee. It decides whether your child is an "exceptional pupil" and where they'll be placed. If the IPRC identifies your child, an IEP must be created.
Route 1 is often faster. Route 2 gives you formal rights, including yearly reviews and the right to appeal.
The five categories of exceptionality
An IPRC can identify a student under five broad categories: behaviour, communication, intellectual, physical or multiple. Within these, Ontario lists 12 specific exceptionalities, such as learning disability, autism, giftedness, language impairment and mild intellectual disability.
Ontario says these categories don't exclude any medical condition, whether it's diagnosed or not, that can lead to learning difficulties. What matters is how your child's needs affect their learning.
How to request an IPRC
You don't have to wait for the school. As a parent, you can make a written request to the principal for an IPRC meeting. Once the principal gets it, they must request a meeting.
Here's what Ontario says happens next:
Within 15 days, the principal must acknowledge your request, tell you in writing about when the IPRC will meet and give you the board's parents' guide to special education.
At least 10 days before the meeting, the IPRC chair sends you a letter with the date, time and place.
Before the meeting, you get a copy of any information about your child that the chair received, such as assessment results.
Keep a copy of your request with the date you sent it.
At the IPRC meeting
An IPRC has at least three members, including a principal or supervisory officer. You, and your child if they're 16 or older, have the right to attend and take part in all discussions. You can bring someone to support you or speak for you, and you can ask for an interpreter.
The committee may look at an educational assessment and, with consent, a health or psychological assessment. It may also interview your child, with your permission if they're under 16. It must also consider information you provide.
Placement. Before placing a student in a special education class, the IPRC must consider whether a regular class with the right support will meet your child's needs and fits your preferences. Placement options range from a regular class with indirect support all the way to a full-time special education class.
What the IEP must include
Once an IPRC identifies your child, the principal must make sure an IEP is in place within 30 days of your child's placement and that you get a copy.
Ontario says the school must develop the IEP in consultation with you, or with your child if they're 16 or older. It must include:
your child's strengths and needs and specific expectations
the special education program and services your child will get
how progress will be reviewed
a transition plan with goals, actions, who is responsible and timelines
The school should review the IEP at least once every reporting period.
Reviews after placement
An IPRC decision isn't forever. Ontario says a review IPRC meeting is held within the school year to look at your child's identification and placement again. You can give up this yearly review by telling the principal in writing. And once your child has been in a special education program for three months, you can ask for a review meeting at any time.
If you disagree with the IPRC decision
You have options. Ontario says you can:
ask for a follow-up meeting with the IPRC within 15 days of getting the decision
file a notice of appeal with the secretary of the school board within 30 days of getting the decision, or within 15 days after a follow-up meeting's decision
The board then sets up a special education appeal board of three members. You choose one of them. The board isn't required to follow the appeal board's recommendation. If you still disagree, you can appeal to the Special Education Tribunal.
If you don't agree and don't appeal, the board will tell the principal to carry out the IPRC decision.
Tips for parents
Put requests in writing and keep copies.
Bring reports. Assessment results, doctor's letters and your own notes help the team see the full picture.
Read the draft IEP closely. Ask how each accommodation will be used day to day.
Watch the reporting periods. If supports aren't working, ask for a review.
Include your child. Older kids often know best what helps.
Supporting your child
School struggles can affect a child's mood, confidence and behaviour at home. Therapy can help your child cope with stress and build skills, and it can support you as a parent. Learn about our counselling for children, teen counselling and our psychological assessments.
We see children 6 and up, in person or online, and our psychological assessments cover children. Our clinicians can provide supporting documentation where appropriate, as part of your care with us.
You can see us in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge or Ottawa, or by secure video from anywhere in Ontario.
Cost, billing and your first step
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. Tell them a little about your child, and they'll help you find a good fit.
If you're in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Individual education plans, Government of Ontario
Identifying students with special education needs, Government of Ontario
Special education, Government of Ontario
Special Education in Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Resource Guide, Government of Ontario