What is an IPRC and how does it help your child access supports at school?
Let's talk about the IPRC process and how it helps your child access support in the school system.
IPRC stands for Identification, Placement, Review Committee and it can be an overwhelming process filled with deadlines, meetings, and paperwork but it is necessary because it helps you and the school board provide your child with the support and resources they need. Let’s break it down.
Each school board in Ontario is mandated under regulation 181/98 of the Education Act to set an IPRC Meeting.
The IPRC meeting can be requested by an administrator at the school (e.g., a principal or special education teacher) or by you, the parent/guardian.
What are you entitled to in the process?
When the principal receives a written request for an IPRC, they must provide you with a copy of the Special Education Handbook and schedule a meeting within 15 days.
Parents, students over the age of 16, the principal and other school personnel, and a family advocate can all attend the IPRC meeting.
What does an IPRC actually do for your child?
The IPRC will determine if your child is exceptional and the category of exceptionality, such as Communications LD, Communications Autism, Behaviour, or Multiple Exceptionalities.
Next, they will determine the strengths, needs, and recommendations. The understanding of your child’s strengths and needs is an important part of this process because what is identified through this process as a strength or need will help the school board (and yourselves) create an individualized plan (called an IEP). This individualized plan will contain all the information, resources, and supports identified for your child.
Finally, the IPRC will recommend a placement. This could be in a mainstream classroom with varying degrees of support or in a small class placement where the child can access a lower student-to-teacher ratio while learning.
What if I disagree with my child’s exceptional category and placement?
If you disagree with the outcome of the IPRC, you can request a review of the IPRC. You can also appeal the decision formally through an appeal board.
If you do decide to appeal the IPRC decision, you must abide by the strict timelines and criteria.
Want more help navigating the education system?
For more information about the IPRC process or the appeal process, go to http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/identifi.html
If you found this information helpful, please bookmark this page for future use. Also, we regularly host a virtual workshop called “Navigating the Education System: Understanding the language and knowing your rights” you can take part and learn more about the IPRC and other way to advocate for your child at school.
To sign up for the Navigating the Education System workshop click the button or choose from an upcoming session below.
