Can I talk to my child’s EA about their school day?
Teachers are responsible for reporting on your child’s learning and progress. Education assistants (EAs) support students under the direction of teachers and may have valuable observations about participation, communication, personal care, and how supports are working. Arrangements for…
Does a funded designation guarantee a full-time EA?
No. A funded designation brings additional funding to the school district, but it does not automatically provide your child with a dedicated education assistant (EA) or a set number of support hours. The Ministry allocates this funding to…
Does my child need a diagnosis, designation, or IEP before getting support?
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Ministry special education designation are not required to have human rights protection. A school should respond to known or reasonably apparent disability-related needs while questions about assessment or paperwork are being addressed.…
How do I get an IEP for my child?
Start by writing to your child’s teacher and principal. Describe the disability-related barriers your child is experiencing, the support they need, and why current arrangements are not enough. Ask for a meeting to discuss an Individual Education Plan…
How do I know which accommodations to ask for? Do we have to wait for an assessment?
You can ask for help as soon as you know something is getting in the way of your child’s education. You might know that your child misses the start of every writing activity, or that getting through the…
How often must an IEP be reviewed? Can I request changes now?
You can request changes at any time during the school year. If your child’s needs have changed, supports are not working, or new barriers have emerged, contact their teacher or IEP case manager. Explain what needs attention, how…
I keep asking, and nothing changes. Am I doing something wrong?
An unresolved barrier does not mean you have failed to advocate well enough. Clear communication can help, but there is no perfect email that guarantees a school will provide what your child needs. If another meeting repeats the…
I know more about my child’s disability than school staff do. How can I share what works?
I know more about my child’s disability than school staff do. How can I share what works? Your knowledge is valuable. Families and caregivers often spend years learning about a child’s disability and identifying approaches that help. Staff…
Is there a deadline for completing an IEP?
The IEP Order says “as soon as practical” after the board identifies the student. It does not set one province-wide calendar date or number of days. Ask for a timeline, the person responsible, and the reason for any…
My child has ADHD, but the school says it does not attract funding. Does that mean no support?
No. Your child’s right to accommodation does not depend on whether their diagnosis attracts additional funding. Funding categories determine how money is allocated to districts. They do not determine whether your child’s disability-related needs deserve a response. Start…
My child is being sent home or cannot access school. What should I do first?
Write to the principal. Describe what is happening, how much school your child is missing, and which supports are unavailable or ineffective. Ask for an immediate plan for safe access, who will put it in place, and when…
