Direct answer
Quick AnswerThe Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) is a school board committee mandated by Ontario Regulation 181/98 that determines whether a student is exceptional and recommends an appropriate placement. Parents can request an IPRC meeting at any time, and the committee must meet within the school year. For autistic students, the IPRC typically identifies them under the Communications exceptionality.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
Under Ontario Regulation 181/98, parents or the school principal can request an IPRC meeting. The committee consists of at least three people, including a principal or supervisory officer. The IPRC reviews all available assessment data — including psychological, educational, and medical reports — to determine if a student meets the criteria for an exceptionality under the Ontario Education Act categories.
Parents should gather all relevant documentation before the IPRC: the child's diagnostic assessment, any private therapy reports, progress notes, communication logs with teachers, and any previous IEPs. Under the regulation, parents have the right to attend the IPRC meeting, present information, and bring an advocate or representative.
Under Ontario Regulation 181/98, parents or the school principal can request an IPRC meeting. The committee consists of at least three people, including a principal or supervisory officer. The IPRC reviews all available assessment data — including psychological, educational, and medical reports — to determine if a student meets the criteria for an exceptionality under the Ontario Education Act categories.
For students with autism, the IPRC typically applies the Communications: Autism exceptionality. The committee then recommends a placement: regular class with indirect support, regular class with resource assistance, regular class with withdrawal assistance, a special education class, or a special education school. Parents must consent to the placement.
Parents should gather all relevant documentation before the IPRC: the child's diagnostic assessment, any private therapy reports, progress notes, communication logs with teachers, and any previous IEPs. Under the regulation, parents have the right to attend the IPRC meeting, present information, and bring an advocate or representative.
If parents disagree with the IPRC decision, they have 30 days to file an appeal with the school board's Special Education Appeal Board (SEAB). If still unsatisfied after the SEAB process, parents can appeal to the Ontario Special Education Tribunal. Legal representation is advisable at this stage.
Ontario Reg. 181/98
Identification and Placement of Exceptional Pupils — Ontario Regulation 181/98 under the Education Act
Ministry of Education
Special Education in Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Resource Guide (2017)
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Step-by-step guide to appealing an IEP or IPRC decision in Ontario. Learn about the Special Education Appeal Board, timelines, and your legal options.
Ontario has no legislated EA-to-student ratio. Learn how EA support is allocated for autistic students and what parents can do to advocate for adequate support.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
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