Direct answer
The JK-to-Grade 1 transition is one of the most stressful periods for autistic children and families. Start planning in January-February of the JK year. EA support is NOT automatic in Grade 1 — it must be re-assessed; request an IPRC review before end of year. The IEP travels in the Ontario Student Record but must be reviewed and updated within 30 days in Grade 1. A school visit in May-June with the child reduces September anxiety. With 69,166 children on the OAP waitlist, school-based supports become the primary intervention for many families.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
January-February (JK year): Begin the transition conversation with the current classroom teacher and SERT. Identify what supports are in place (EA, AOP consultant, communication system, sensory accommodations) and which must continue in Grade 1. March (JK year): Request a formal transition meeting including the receiving school's SERT if possible. Confirm the documents that must transfer: IEP, safety plan, sensory profile, communication plan, and FBA if it exists.
These documents are part of the Ontario Student Record (OSR) and must follow your child to Grade 1. Ask the current SERT to confirm each one will be included: IEP (Individual Education Plan) — annual goals, accommodations, transition planning. Safety plan — if one exists under PPM 140 for behaviour management.
EA support is not automatically carried forward from kindergarten to Grade 1. EA allocation is based on a needs assessment that informs each placement decision. Even if your child had an EA in JK, the Grade 1 school must conduct its own needs assessment. To protect continuity, request an IPRC review well before the end of the school year — ideally by March or April — so that the EA requirement is formally documented in the new placement decision before September.
January-February (JK year): Begin the transition conversation with the current classroom teacher and SERT. Identify what supports are in place (EA, AOP consultant, communication system, sensory accommodations) and which must continue in Grade 1. March (JK year): Request a formal transition meeting including the receiving school's SERT if possible. Confirm the documents that must transfer: IEP, safety plan, sensory profile, communication plan, and FBA if it exists.
March-April (JK year): Request an IPRC review to document the supports needed for Grade 1. This is the process that formally authorizes EA allocation. Do not wait until September. May-June (JK year): Arrange a visit to the Grade 1 classroom or school with your child. Bring a familiar adult and familiar supports. Some schools allow a brief meet-and-greet with the incoming teacher.
September (start of Grade 1): Confirm the IEP is in place, EA allocation is confirmed, and the receiving SERT has the full support package. The Grade 1 school has 30 school days to formally review the IEP — attend that review.
These documents are part of the Ontario Student Record (OSR) and must follow your child to Grade 1. Ask the current SERT to confirm each one will be included: IEP (Individual Education Plan) — annual goals, accommodations, transition planning. Safety plan — if one exists under PPM 140 for behaviour management.
Sensory profile — documented sensory needs and environmental modifications. Communication plan — especially important if your child uses AAC or a communication system. Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) — if one has been completed. IPRC statement — the formal identification and placement decision.
What schools cannot do: A school cannot informally suggest delaying Grade 1 based on developmental concerns related to autism without a formal IPRC placement process. If this happens, request an IPRC immediately and document the suggestion in writing.
EA support is not automatically carried forward from kindergarten to Grade 1. EA allocation is based on a needs assessment that informs each placement decision. Even if your child had an EA in JK, the Grade 1 school must conduct its own needs assessment. To protect continuity, request an IPRC review well before the end of the school year — ideally by March or April — so that the EA requirement is formally documented in the new placement decision before September.
The IEP travels with the student — it is part of the Ontario Student Record (OSR) and must be transferred with the student to the new school or grade. However, it must be reviewed and updated by the receiving school within 30 school days of the new school year starting. This update should involve the parent.
Connect with the receiving school's SERT in the spring — ideally April or May — before the transition. Share the IEP, sensory profile, communication system details, and any known triggers. If changing schools, the current principal should contact the receiving principal directly to ensure the support package transfers without gap.
Education Act (Ontario)
IPRC placement decisions and parental rights
PPM 140
Provincial behaviour management policy — safety plans
Ontario Student Record
Required transfer of IEP and supporting documents
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.
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