We have compiled answers to common questions about how we support the diverse learning needs of all students in our schools. We also encourage parents/caregivers to explore the Communication Guide for Parents/Caregivers for additional details on navigating special education services and engaging effectively with school staff.
My child has special education needs (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delay, Deaf and Hard of Hearing). How can I find the right school and program for them?
To find the right school and program for your child, start by registering your child at your home school based on your address. After registering, connect with the school principal for guidance on next steps. The principal and school-based staff will work with staff from the Special Education and Inclusion Department and other departments as needed to ensure that your child’s learning needs will be met, and can start the 吃瓜黑料网 referral process if needed.
We are moving to Toronto from outside Canada. How can we learn more about the schools and special education programs available for our child?
Welcome to Toronto! To enroll your child, follow the 吃瓜黑料网 registration procedure, providing proof of address. Registration for the upcoming school year opens each February. Please note that you must be physically in the country to register your child for a 吃瓜黑料网 school. Once registered, your child’s school principal can provide guidance on steps for accessing special education programs and services. You may also learn more about special education in the 吃瓜黑料网 by visiting this website.
My child had an IPRC or was in a special education class in another school board. How can I find a similar program within 吃瓜黑料网?
To access programs, you need to register your child at your home school. Placement requires a decision by the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) with our board, and to have an IPRC the child must be actively attending a 吃瓜黑料网 school, as per Ministry requirements.
How does the 吃瓜黑料网 involve parents and students in decision-making processes related to special education?
We value our partnership with parents/guardians/caregivers to support student success. At an individual level, this includes the involvement of parents/guardians/caregivers and students when appropriate, throughout the referral process and beyond.
At the school and board levels, this includes opportunities for input and involvement such as consultations and surveys, and Special Education Advisory Committees. These committees provide a platform for open discussions, sharing insights, and gathering feedback on various aspects of special education policies and programs.
What special education programs are available in the 吃瓜黑料网?
The 吃瓜黑料网 supports a range of placements, programs, and services to meet the needs of students. The Ministry of Education and the 吃瓜黑料网 support inclusive learning environments and recognize that most students can be effectively served within their neighborhood school.
The 吃瓜黑料网 offers different types of support, whether in regular or intensive support classrooms, including:
- Indirect support in the regular classroom
- Resource assistance within the regular classroom
- Withdrawal assistance (elementary)
- Partially integrated special education classes
- Full-time special education classes
Some students require programs with more intensive supports. Entry into these Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) is determined through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process. You can find a list of our Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) and where they are located across the 吃瓜黑料网 here.
What other supports are available to meet the needs of my child?
A variety of professionals and others work together to support your child's specific learning and well-being. Not all students will need or receive support from the same type of staff. These professionals could include:
- Educational Assistants
- Special Needs Assistants
- Psychologists, Psycho-Educational Consultants, and Psychological Associates
- Audiologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Orientation and Mobility Personnel
- Oral Interpreters (for deaf students)
- Sign Interpreters (for deaf students)
- Sign Language Facilitators
- Interveners (for deaf-blind students)
- Transcribers (for blind students)
- Occupational and Physical Therapists
- Child and Youth Workers
- Child and Youth Counselors
- Social Workers
- Behaviour Analysts (BA) and ABA Facilitators
- Special Education and Inclusion Coordinators
- Special Education and Inclusion Consultants
- Special Education and Inclusion Itinerant Teaches
How can I communicate concerns about my child’s program or special education services?
If you have concerns, always start with the classroom teacher, special education teacher, or other school staff. If you need further support, talk to the principal. Please follow the steps outlined in the 吃瓜黑料网 Parent Concern Protocol.