Direct answer
YRDSB serves approximately 130,000 students across 189 schools in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Georgina, and surrounding communities. The board offers Individual Education Plans (IEPs), the IPRC process, Educational Assistant (EA) support, the YRDSB Autism Outreach Program (AOP), Intensive Support Programs, and 8 Learning Resource Centres across the region.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
The Autism Outreach Program (AOP) is a YRDSB-specific service in which specialized autism support staff consult with classroom teachers and work directly with autistic students within the school setting.
Contact the school SERT and principal in writing requesting an IEP. If your child has not been formally identified, also request an IPRC meeting.
Step 1: Write to the principal and SERT requesting a specific response.
The Autism Outreach Program (AOP) is a YRDSB-specific service in which specialized autism support staff consult with classroom teachers and work directly with autistic students within the school setting.
AOP staff use ABA-informed approaches consistent with PPM 140. They help develop IEP goals, suggest environmental modifications, support transitions, and build staff capacity.
AOP involvement can be requested through the school SERT or principal. Where OAP school-based services are funded for a student, AOP staff may collaborate with OAP service providers.
Contact the school SERT and principal in writing requesting an IEP. If your child has not been formally identified, also request an IPRC meeting.
Bring any external assessments (psychological reports, developmental paediatrician notes) to inform IEP goals.
Your right to be consulted in IEP development is legislated under the Ontario Education Act. If no response within 10 school days, escalate to the Superintendent of Special Education.
EA support in YRDSB elementary and secondary schools is based on a needs assessment that feeds into the IPRC and IEP. It is not automatic — families must advocate for it. If denied, request the IPRC committee formally document the reason for denial. You can then appeal the IPRC decision within 30 days.
Contact: special.education@yrdsb.ca
Step 1: Write to the principal and SERT requesting a specific response.
Step 2: Request an IPRC review.
Step 3: Contact the YRDSB Superintendent of Special Education for your area.
Step 4: Contact YRDSB's Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) — meetings are public.
Step 5: File a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal if disability-based discrimination is the issue.
YRDSB
special.education@yrdsb.ca — Special Education contact
Ontario Education Act
IEP and IPRC requirements applicable to all Ontario boards
PPM 140
Policy/Program Memorandum 140 — ABA-informed practice in Ontario schools
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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