If your child is struggling in school and may need special education services, you may be invited to an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) meeting. This meeting determines whether your child qualifies for special education support and what placement (e.g., regular classroom with support, special education class) best suits their learning needs.
For many parents, IPRC meetings can feel overwhelming, but being prepared and informed will help you advocate for the best support for your child.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ What an IPRC meeting is
✔ Who attends the meeting
✔ What happens during the IPRC process
✔ How decisions are made
✔ What to do if you disagree with the outcome
📌 What Is an IPRC Meeting?
An Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) meeting is a formal school board process in Ontario that:
✔ Determines if a student is “exceptional” and eligible for special education services
✔ Identifies the student’s learning needs
✔ Decides on the best school placement for the student
✔ Reviews progress annually to ensure the placement remains appropriate
📌 An IPRC meeting is the first step toward securing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for your child.
👥 Who Attends an IPRC Meeting?
✔ Parents/Guardians – Your input is critical in this meeting.
✔ Principal or Vice-Principal – Represents the school and ensures board policies are followed.
✔ Special Education Teacher – Provides information on your child’s learning needs.
✔ Classroom Teacher – Shares insights about your child’s progress and challenges.
✔ School Board Representative – May attend to oversee the process.
✔ Additional Specialists (if needed) – Psychologists, speech therapists, or occupational therapists may be present.
📌 You can also bring an advocate or support person if you need extra guidance.
📖 Step-by-Step: What Happens in an IPRC Meeting?
1️⃣ Review of Assessments & Reports
✔ The committee reviews your child’s academic performance, teacher observations, and assessments (e.g., psychoeducational evaluations, speech/language reports).
✔ If a psychoeducational assessment was done, the psychologist may summarize the findings.
2️⃣ Discussion of Exceptionalities
✔ The committee determines if your child meets the definition of “exceptional” in one of these categories:
• Learning Disability
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Giftedness
• Intellectual Disability
• Physical Disability
• Behavioral Exceptionality
✔ You will hear the school’s perspective on your child’s challenges and strengths.
3️⃣ Placement Options Are Discussed
The IPRC will recommend one of the following placements:
✔ Regular Classroom with Accommodations – Your child stays in a regular class but receives support (e.g., an IEP, resource help, assistive technology).
✔ Regular Classroom with Withdrawal Support – Your child stays in a regular class but leaves for small-group special education support.
✔ Special Education Class (Part-Time or Full-Time) – Your child spends some or all of the day in a specialized classroom for students with similar learning needs.
📌 Parents can discuss which placement they believe will work best for their child.
4️⃣ The Final Decision Is Made
✔ The IPRC will formally declare whether your child is “exceptional” and confirm placement.
✔ You will receive a written statement of decision within 30 days.
📌 If your child is identified as exceptional, the school will create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) outlining accommodations, modifications, and supports.
🤔 What Happens After the IPRC Meeting?
✔ You have 30 days to agree or disagree with the decision.
✔ If you agree, the school proceeds with the placement and support plan.
✔ If you disagree, you can request a follow-up meeting or appeal the decision.
✔ The IPRC must review the decision annually, and changes can be made if needed.
📌 You are allowed to request an early review if you feel the placement is not working for your child.
⚖️ What to Do If You Disagree with the IPRC Decision
If you believe the identification or placement is incorrect, you can:
✔ Request a follow-up meeting to discuss concerns with the school.
✔ Submit a written appeal within 30 days, explaining why you disagree.
✔ If the issue is unresolved, take it to the Special Education Appeal Board for further review.
📌 Parents have the right to challenge any decision that doesn’t meet their child’s needs.
🛠️ How to Prepare for an IPRC Meeting
✔ Review all reports and assessments beforehand.
✔ Write down your observations about your child’s learning struggles and strengths.
✔ Bring samples of schoolwork that show challenges.
✔ Prepare questions about identification, placement, and support services.
✔ Take notes during the meeting to ensure you understand decisions.
📌 Being prepared ensures that your child gets the best possible support from the start.
📢 Final Thoughts: Be Your Child’s Best Advocate
✔ The IPRC meeting is an important step in getting the right support for your child.
✔ Parents have a voice in the decision-making process—your input matters.
✔ If you disagree with the decision, there are ways to appeal and advocate for better placement.
✔ IEP development follows the IPRC decision, so tracking progress is essential.
💬 Have you attended an IPRC meeting before? What was your experience? Share in the comments!
📌 For more school advocacy tips, subscribe to my blog! 🚀
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 
Leave a comment