Special Education
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Parent-Teacher Conference Guide for YCDSB Parents in Markham: Questions That Matter Most
As a parent with a child in the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), I’ve learned that those short 10-minute parent-teacher conferences can reveal more than a report card ever could. In most Markham Catholic schools, these brief meetings are a window into how our children learn, how they connect with others, and how we can best support them…
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Yesterday I Received a Flyer About Bill 33 — Here’s Why Every Ontario Parent Should Pay Attention
Yesterday, when I picked up my child from school, a teacher handed me a flyer about Bill 33, officially called the Supporting Children and Students Act (2025). I tucked it into my bag, thinking it was another school notice about upcoming events. Later that evening, I finally read it — and I’m glad I did. What I…
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How to Prepare for a Successful Transition Meeting: A Parent’s Guide for Grade One and Beyond (YCDSB)
By Yan Zhou – SEAC Member, Parent, and Advocate for Exceptional Learners Introduction Transition meetings play a vital role in supporting students as they move from Kindergarten to Grade One or shift between programs or classrooms within the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). For students with exceptionalities, these meetings are especially important to ensure…
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Raising Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children: A Parent’s Comprehensive Guide to Nurturing Strengths and Supporting Struggles
Raising a twice-exceptional (2e) child — someone who is gifted and also has learning differences — is a complex, often misunderstood parenting journey. These children are intellectually advanced but may also struggle with ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, or other diagnoses. While their potential is immense, it often comes wrapped in layers of social, emotional, and…
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A Parent’s Roadmap: What to Do If You Suspect or Have a Diagnosis for Your Child’s Special Needs
If you suspect your child has special needs or they have already been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, a learning disability, speech delay, or another developmental challenge, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Navigating school-based support, psychoeducational assessments, IEPs (Individual Education Plans), and advocacy can be complicated, but the earlier you take action, the better the outcomes for your…
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IEP Accommodations & Modifications Guide for YCDSB Parents
📌 Understanding the difference between accommodations and modifications is essential for advocating for the right support in your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This guide explains what each means, how they affect your child’s learning, and examples of what you can request in YCDSB schools. 📌 What’s the Difference Between Accommodations & Modifications? Feature Accommodations 💡 Modifications ✏️…
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Checklist: What to Bring to an IEP Meeting (YCDSB Parents)
📌 An IEP meeting is an important opportunity to ensure your child receives the right support at school. Use this checklist to prepare and bring everything you need for a productive discussion. ✔ Essential Documents ☐ Copy of the Current IEP (if applicable) – Review it before the meeting to identify areas needing updates. ☐ Report Cards & Progress…
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IEP Request Letter Template for YCDSB Parents
📌 Use this template to formally request an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for your child at a YCDSB school. Personalize it with your child’s details before sending it to the school principal. [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Postal Code] [Your Email] [Your Phone Number] [Date] To: [Principal’s Name] [School Name] [School Address] [City, Postal Code] Subject: Request for an…
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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…
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 