My child has special education needs (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delay, Deaf and Hard of Hearing). How can I find the right school and program for them?
To find the right school and program for your child, start by registering your child at your home school based on your address. After registering, connect with the school principal for guidance on next steps. The principal and school-based staff will work with staff from the Special Education and Inclusion Department and other departments as needed to ensure that your child’s learning needs will be met.
We are moving to Toronto from outside Canada. How can we learn more about the schools and special education programs available for our child?
Welcome to Toronto! To enroll your child, follow the TDSB registration procedure, providing proof of address. Registration for the upcoming school year opens each February. Please note that you must be physically in the country to register your child for a TDSB school. Once registered, your child’s school principal can provide guidance on steps for accessing special education programs and services. You may also learn more about special education in the TDSB by visiting this website.
My child had an IPRC or was in a special education class in another school board. How can I find a similar program within TDSB?
To access programs, you need to register your child at your home school. Placement requires a decision by the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) with our board, and to have an IPRC the child must be actively attending a TDSB school, as per Ministry requirements.
How does the TDSB involve parents and students in decision-making processes related to special education?
We value our partnership with parents/guardians/caregivers to support student success. At an individual level, this includes the involvement of parents/guardians/caregivers and students when appropriate, throughout the referral process and beyond.
At the school and board levels, this includes opportunities for input and involvement such as consultations and surveys, and Special Education Advisory Committees. These committees provide a platform for open discussions, sharing insights, and gathering feedback on various aspects of special education policies and programs.
What special education programs are available in the TDSB?
The TDSB supports a range of placements, programs, and services to meet the
needs of students. The Ministry of Education and the TDSB support inclusive
learning environments and recognize that most students can be effectively
served within their neighborhood school.
If your child is entering a TDSB school and has special education needs,
contact your neighborhood as soon as possible to discuss
registration
and to schedule an appointment with the principal. At this meeting, you will
be able to share your child's strengths and needs and provide any related
documentation to support creation of an entry plan, which may include special
education support.
Some students require programs with more intensive supports. Entry into these
Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) is determined through the
Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process. You can find a list of our Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) and where they
are located across the TDSB
here.