IPRC
What is it and how can I use it to help my child?
What is the IPRC?
The Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) is a committee of three or more people who will help you and your child. They are legally (under the Educational Act) responsible for ensuring four things for your child:
Decides if a student should be identified as exceptional
Identifies the student’s exceptionality(s)and the areas of need
Decide placement for the student that is most appropriate
At least once a year, review student's placement and identification
You as the guardian have a right to be notified and should receive all documents concerning your child. You will be notified at least 10 days before the scheduled meeting and have the right to attend the meetings and reviews for your child.
To know more about your rights under the Education Act click this link
I for Identification
ur child's exceptionality can be identified in up to five different categories. If your child has 2 or more prominent exceptionalities they will be placed in the Multiple category. Otherwise they would be placed in one of the four following categories:
Physical- This could include any physical disability as well as Blind and Low Vision
Behaviour- Includes any student with a behaviour disability
Communication- Could include students with the following exceptionalities Autism, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Speech Impairment, Language Impairment and Learning Disabilities
Intellectual- This includes students on the far ends of the spectrum from Mild Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities as well as Giftedness
P for Placement
When deciding on placement the committee makes decisions and will take guardian preference into consideration. They legally need to consider if a regular class with special needs services will work for the student. The following are options for placement of your child:
Regular class with indirect support (student in class all day and teacher will receive specialized consultation for your child's needs)
Regular class with resource assistance (student maybe taken in small group for support from specialized teacher)
Regular class with withdrawn assistance (student in a class but may be taken for instruction outside of the class for less than 50% of the day)
Special Education class with partial integration (student would integrate with a regular class for at least one instructional period of the day)
Full- time Special Education Class (child in a class with appropriate support and student to adult ratios that are appropriate for them to be successful)
Meeting Timelines
As a Guardian once a child has been identified as exceptional legally must receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP). It must be put into place 30 days after the original IPRC and within 30 days at the start of a new school year. You have the right to book a follow-up meeting with the schools principal 15 days after the IPRC decision. That Principal needs to book it ASAP. If you disagree with the IPRCs decisions on Identification or Placement you can appeal it. You need to appeal it with the secretary of the board by filing a notice of appeal within 30 days of receipt of the initial IPRC decision or within 15 days of the receipt of the second meeting.
What are my rights as a Guardian?
You, as Guardian, have the right to after the IPRC decision and second IPRC meeting to:
agree and sign consent form
make no response
request further discussion
disagree and file appeal with special education appeal board