Special Education
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What to Expect During an IPRC Meeting: A Parent’s Guide
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…
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What to Do If the School Won’t Follow Your Child’s IEP: A Parent’s Guide
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legally required document that outlines accommodations, modifications, and support services for students with disabilities or learning challenges. However, some parents face a frustrating reality—the school isn’t following their child’s IEP as written. If you’ve noticed that your child isn’t receiving the accommodations or services outlined in their IEP, you have the right to take action.…
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How to Track Your Child’s IEP Progress & Advocate for Updates
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is designed to help students with learning challenges succeed in school, but having an IEP isn’t enough—you need to track your child’s progress and ensure the support outlined in the IEP is actually working. Many parents wonder: ✔ How do I know if the IEP is helping my child? ✔ What should I do if…
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The Difference Between Accommodations and Modifications in an IEP
For parents navigating the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, understanding the difference between accommodations and modifications is essential. These two terms determine how your child learns and what they are expected to learn in school. Confusing the two can lead to inappropriate support, which may impact your child’s progress, self-confidence, and future educational opportunities. In this blog, we’ll cover: ✔ What are accommodations? ✔ What are…
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Understanding the IEP Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
For parents of children with learning challenges, navigating the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process can feel overwhelming. An IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is a legal document that outlines the support, accommodations, and goals designed to help your child succeed in school. If you’re wondering how to get an IEP, what’s included, and what your rights are, this step-by-step guide will walk you…
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The Next Major School Transition for Autistic Students: Challenges & Support Strategies in Grades 7-9
Why the Transition to Grades 7-9 Is Challenging for Autistic Students For autistic students, transitioning from Grade 6 to 7 (middle school) or Grade 8 to 9 (high school) is one of the biggest shifts in their education journey. This transition brings new academic pressures, increased social expectations, and a change in routine—all of which can be difficult for…
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Challenges Faced by Autistic Students in Grade 3: A Critical Transition Year
For autistic students, every school year brings its own set of challenges, but Grade 3 is often one of the most difficult transitions. It’s a year where academic expectations, social demands, and independence increase significantly, making it harder for autistic children to navigate school successfully. In this article, we will explore: ✔ Why Grade 3 is a critical transition…
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Psychoeducational Assessment: What Parents Need to Know
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that helps identify a child’s learning strengths, challenges, and cognitive abilities. It provides valuable insights into how a child processes information, which can guide educational support, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and accommodations in school. If your child is struggling with learning, attention, or emotional regulation, a psychoeducational assessment can provide answers and a roadmap for success. In this…
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Understanding the Impact of Discontinuing YCDSB’s Intensive Literacy Intervention Teacher (ILIT) Program
The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has recently approved a Multi-Year Financial Recovery Plan (MYFRP) to address budgetary challenges. A significant component of this plan is the discontinuation of the Intensive Literacy Intervention Teacher (ILIT) program, a decision that has raised concerns among educators and parents alike. Overview of the ILIT Program The ILIT program was designed to provide…
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Why You Still Need an IPRC Even If Your Child Has an IEP
Parents navigating Ontario’s special education system often hear about IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and IPRCs (Identification, Placement, and Review Committees). If your child already has an IEP, you might wonder if pursuing an IPRC designation is necessary. The short answer? Yes! While an IEP provides essential support, an IPRC offers legal protection, formal recognition, and guaranteed access to specialized placements. In this post, we’ll explore the difference…
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 