The Individual Education Plan (IEP) - A Guide for Parents

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What is an Individual Education Plan (IEP)?

An IEP is a written plan. It is a working document which describes the strengths and needs of an individual exceptional pupil, the special education program and services established to meet that pupil’s needs, and how the program and services will be delivered. It describes the student’s progress, and includes a plan to support students in making successful transitions.

The IEP summarizes the following

your child’s strengths and needs
assessment data
special education services provided to your child
accommodations (supports, services that will help your child access the curriculum and demonstrate learning)
program modifications (changes required to grade-level expectations in the Ontario Curriculum)
alternative programs/courses not represented in the Ontario Curriculum (such as Personal Care, Orientation/Mobility Training, Auditory Verbal Intervention Strategies, and/or development of American Sign Language skills.)
your child’s current level of achievement in each program area
goals and specific expectations for your child
assessment strategies for reviewing your child’s achievements and progress
regular updates, showing dates, results and recommendations
a Transition Plan
medical/health supports/services
a Safety Plan

How Does an IEP Work?

An IEP outlines the special education programs and services your child will receive. There are five phases in the development of an IEP:

Gather information.
Set the direction.
Develop the plan.
Carry out the planned activities.
Review and update the IEP, including the Transition Plan and Safety Plan

As The Parent, What Role Do I Play?

Parents play a powerful supporting role in the IEP process and transition planning. It is important to understand and participate in the five phases of the IEP process. As well, be sure to ask for a copy of your child’s IEP, within 30 school days, so that you can support the planned activities at home.

You know things about your child’s approach to learning that no one else knows. Be sure to tell the teacher about your child’s:

talents and abilities;
likes, dislikes and interests;
interest in extra-curricular activities;
family relationships and dynamics (including extended family and pets);
peer relationships and dynamics;
family routines and schedules;
hopes and dreams for the future including any short and/or long term goals; and
how your child learns best (e.g., by doing, through demonstration, etc.)

Setting the Direction

How Do I Work as an Effective IEP Team Member?

Students are most successful when all team members work together towards achievable goals. As a parent:

keep the focus on your child at all times;
tell the teacher the hopes you have for your child’s learning;
bring ideas and information;
ask questions; and
value everyone’s input.

All About ME/IPP

You may wish to consider asking your child about their All About Me portfolio (K-6) or Individual Pathways Plan (grades 7-12). As part of the Creating Pathways to Success: Education and Career/Life Planning Program, these tools support students in planning for their future as they engage in experiences and develop knowledge and skills in 4 key areas of learning:

Who am I?
What Is my plan for achieving my goals?
Who do I want to become?
What are my opportunities?

For more information, please see the Ministry Education site on Creating Pathways to Success.

You may also wish to consider providing information for your child’s teacher under the following headings:

Physical
Intellectual
Educational
Cultural
Emotional
Social

This may include:

medical information
self-care
gross and fine-motor skills
abilities at home
strategies that have or haven’t worked
communication strategies
assessments
learning styles
examples of work and abilities
motivation
disposition
emotional well-being
cultural and language considerations
social skills
schoolyard interactions
peer and adult interactions
extra-curricular activities

What is a Transition Plan?

A written plan which outlines the daily, short term and long term changes to programs/pathways. Transitions may include:

entry to school
activity to activity
class to class
between grades
school to school
elementary school to secondary school
secondary school to education, career, community, and life pathway

Contained within the transition plan are:

individual goals
actions required to achieve those goals
identified individuals responsible for the actions required
specific timelines for completion

A Transition Plan is developed in collaboration with students and their families, the school, community agencies and post-secondary partners as appropriate and is reviewed and updated as part of the IEP review process.

Developing the IEP

How can I Contribute to Planning Goals for my Child?

Beginning with your child’s strengths and needs is an important first step. You can help by engaging in discussions with your child and their teachers around establishing short term and long term goals.

Carrying Out the IEP

There are many things you can do at home to help your child to reach their goals.

Talk to the teacher about what your child plans to accomplish.
Do what you can at home to support your child’s goals.
Take every opportunity to communicate with your child’s teacher.
Provide additional insights and resources to the school.
Share significant personal/family events as relevant.

Review and Update the IEP

Your child’s progress toward their goals will be reviewed. Then, the IEP will be updated to include different strategies, approaches, and/or resources considered necessary to help the learning process.

Talk to your child’s teacher about the goals that have been set.
Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher regarding progress.
Look for evidence of growth towards goals on your child’s report card.
Recommend changes in goals, strategies and/or resources or support where you see a need.
Be actively involved in discussions at school when your child is changing grades, schools or moving into the workplace.

YRDSB SEAC Members

Many organizations represented on the YRDSB's Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) are available to support you in understanding the IEP, and/or to provide additional resources.

The following organizations are currently represented on the Board’s SEAC: