Direct answer
The Ontario Education Act applies to all publicly funded school boards. Catholic school families have the same IEP, EA, and IPRC rights as public school families — and the same escalation paths when supports fall short. TCDSB serves approximately 84,000 students across 198 schools and must provide the same provincial obligations as public boards.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board is a publicly funded institution and must follow all provincial special education legislation. A Catholic school context adds faith-informed pastoral care — it does not reduce the board's obligations under the Ontario Education Act.
Contact your school's SERT by email. State that your child has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and that you are requesting an IEP and a needs assessment for EA support. Keep a copy of all correspondence.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board is a publicly funded institution and must follow all provincial special education legislation. A Catholic school context adds faith-informed pastoral care — it does not reduce the board's obligations under the Ontario Education Act.
Individual Education Plan (IEP): A written plan outlining annual goals, accommodations, and transition planning. Must be developed with parent input within 30 school days of identification. Updated at least annually.
IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee): Formal committee identifying a student as exceptional, setting placement, reviewing annually. Parents attend, may bring a support person, and may appeal within 30 days. Process is identical to public boards.
EA/CYW: Educational Assistant support is allocated based on needs assessment. TCDSB also uses Child and Youth Workers (CYWs) as additional in-school support staff for students with complex needs.
SERT: Each TCDSB school has a Special Education Resource Teacher who co-ordinates special education programming and communicates with families.
OHRC accommodation: Disability accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code applies equally in Catholic schools. Religious accommodation and disability accommodation are separate obligations — one does not supersede the other.
Contact your school's SERT by email. State that your child has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and that you are requesting an IEP and a needs assessment for EA support. Keep a copy of all correspondence.
Request an IPRC meeting if your child has not been formally identified. The IPRC sets placement and the foundation for supports.
Participate actively in IEP development. Bring documentation from outside therapists, physicians, or psychologists to inform IEP goals.
If supports are denied or inadequate, contact the TCDSB Superintendent of Special Education and copy SEAC. Email: specialeducation@tcdsb.org
If discrimination is occurring, file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal. A faith-based school board context does not provide immunity from the Human Rights Code.
Ontario Education Act
Applies equally to publicly funded Catholic and public school boards
TCDSB
specialeducation@tcdsb.org — Special Education contact
OHRC
Ontario Human Rights Code Policy on accessible education
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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