Understanding & Navigating your Child’s Independent Education Plan (IEP)
What is an IEP?
An IEP is an active, working document designed to help a student experience academic success!
Who receives an IEP?
An IEP must be developed for a child if they’ve been identified as requiring special education services and/or programs by the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC)
An IEP may also be developed for a student who has not been identified, but who requires additional supports as determined by the school in consultation with the parents.
An IEP should include the following:
The student’s strengths and needs
Special education programs and/or services required
Annual Goals: what a student is expected to learn in a school year
Learning Expectations: what a student will learn in a reporting period
Accommodations: supports and services a student requires in order to learn at their current grade level
Modifications: changes made to the current grade level expectations in order to meet a student’s learning needs
Alternate expectations: what a student will be learning that is not a part of the Ontario curriculum (e.g., display a positive attitude towards making mistakes as a part of learning)
Teaching Strategies: strategies that are different for or specific to the learning expectations
Assessment Methods: how the student’s progress will be evaluated
What role do you play as a parent?
You know your child best and have valuable information that can be used to guide the development of the IEP. Be sure to advocate for your child, and provide the school with information such as:
Your goals for your child
How your child learns best and strategies you’ve found helpful when teaching your child
Information about your child’s strengths, interests, talents, or abilities
Reports and recommendations from professionals or agencies working with your child
Learn more about the IEP Process for Ontario K-12 here.
