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Ontario 2026
Peel Region Education GuidePeel DSB is Ontario's second-largest school board, serving ~155,000 students across Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. This guide covers every autism support pathway, from your child's first IPRC to ErinoakKids therapy, ABA in Schools, and SEAC advocacy.
The children in these classrooms
Peel Region families, one of Ontario's most diverse school populations, navigate autism supports across 250+ schools.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Only 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified , CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
students enrolled, making Peel DSB the second-largest public school board in Ontario after the Toronto DSB
schools across Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon, each served by a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT)
of Peel Region residents born outside Canada, interpretation services for IPRC and IEP meetings are available upon request
Every identified autistic student in Ontario is entitled to an Individual Education Plan. In Peel DSB the process flows through the IPRC, then into IEP development within 30 school days of placement.
A parent, guardian, or teacher refers the student. You can request an IPRC in writing to the school principal at any time. The principal must convene the committee within a regulated timeline.
The IPRC reviews existing psychoeducational assessments, reports from ErinoakKids or private clinicians, teacher observations, and the autism diagnosis. You can submit a private assessment report to strengthen the case for intensive support.
The IPRC identifies the exceptionality (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and determines placement: regular class with support, withdrawal support, self-contained class, or community-based program. Parents participate and must receive written notice of the decision.
The school develops a written IEP within 30 school days of placement. The IEP sets out annual program expectations, alternative expectations, accommodations, and responsible persons. Parents receive a copy and can request revisions.
The IPRC reviews the placement annually. Transition planning must begin no later than Grade 7 for students anticipated to require modified or alternative programming through secondary school.
Student remains in a mainstream classroom. The SERT and Autism Team provide consultation, accommodations, and in-class support as needed. An Educational Assistant (EA) may be assigned based on need.
Student attends a mainstream class but is withdrawn for small-group or individual instruction in specific subjects. Often used for targeted skill development in literacy, numeracy, or social skills.
A small, structured classroom (typically 6-10 students) with specialized instruction, ABA-based programming, high EA-to-student ratios, and dedicated Autism Resource Teacher oversight. Integration with peers occurs during non-instructional periods.
Functional life skills programming delivered in community settings for secondary-age students. Focuses on employment readiness, independent living, and community navigation alongside in-school time.
Peel DSB participates in the Ontario Ministry of Education's ABA in Schools framework. Applied Behaviour Analysis strategies are embedded in classroom instruction for students identified with ASD. Programming is not a separate service, it is woven into the school day.
The Autism Team consists of Autism Resource Teachers (ARTs) and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) consultants who are deployed across school clusters. They do not deliver direct student service, they build capacity in school staff.
Access: Ask your school principal or SERT to make a referral to the Autism Team.
ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development is the designated children's treatment centre for Peel Region. Through a formal partnership with Peel DSB, ErinoakKids delivers therapy directly in participating schools, reducing the burden on families to transport children to clinic appointments during school hours.
Fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, handwriting, and classroom adaptations. School-based OT supports the student in their actual learning environment.
Communication, language development, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), and social communication goals aligned with the IEP.
Gross motor development, mobility, and physical access to the school environment. Less commonly required for ASD but available for students with co-occurring motor difficulties.
ErinoakKids operates under the same provincial waitlist pressures as the OAP. Referrals should be made as early as possible, ideally at diagnosis. School-based therapy slots are allocated per school, so not every student may receive in-school service immediately. Ask your SERT about the school's current ErinoakKids allocation and whether private OT or SLP through OAP Childhood Budget funding is a faster option.
Educational Assistants (EAs) are assigned based on the support needs documented in the IEP. EA allocation is determined by the school board, not the IPRC, and is subject to available resources. Here is what parents need to know.
Peel Region has one of the highest proportions of newcomer and immigrant families in Canada. The special education system can be difficult to navigate without knowledge of Ontario's Education Act. These resources are designed to help.
Request a professional interpreter in writing when you confirm your IPRC meeting. This is your right. Do not rely on your child or a relative to translate legal and medical information.
Peel DSB employs community liaison workers who speak multiple languages and can help newcomer families understand IEPs, IPRC decisions, and how to access services.
Some cultural frameworks understand neurodevelopmental differences differently. ErinoakKids and Peel DSB staff are trained to provide culturally responsive service. You are encouraged to share your family's values and communication preferences.
Autism Ontario's Peel chapter provides family support, peer connections, and advocacy resources. They can help you prepare for IPRC meetings and understand your rights under the Education Act.
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is a legislated body that advises the Peel DSB Board of Trustees on all matters related to special education. It is one of the most underused advocacy tools available to parents.
SEAC meetings are open to the public and typically held monthly during the school year. Agendas are posted on the Peel DSB website. Attend to stay informed about board-level decisions affecting autism programs.
Any member of the public can make a formal delegation to SEAC. You present for a limited time (typically 5-10 minutes) on an issue affecting special education. Delegations are on the public record and go to the Board of Trustees.
SEAC includes representatives from disability organizations including Autism Ontario. These members advocate for ASD-specific programming and can raise systemic concerns. Contact them through the Peel DSB SEAC page.
SEAC approves the board's Special Education Plan each year. The plan outlines programs, staffing, and budget for all exceptionalities. Review it to understand what Peel DSB is committing to for autistic students and whether it matches delivery.
| Factor | Peel DSB (Public) | Dufferin-Peel Catholic DSB |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment | ~155,000 students | ~90,000 students |
| IPRC Process | Full IPRC per Education Act | Full IPRC per Education Act |
| ABA in Schools | Formal Autism Team with BCBAs | ABA strategies embedded; consult Special Education dept |
| ErinoakKids Access | Formal school-based partnership | ErinoakKids serves Peel families regardless of board |
| Specialized Classes | Multiple ASD class sites across the board | ASD class options; fewer sites due to smaller enrolment |
| School Choice | Based on address (any public school in catchment) | Catholic faith affiliation preferred; open enrolment in some cases |
Both boards operate under the same Ontario Education Act and must provide equivalent access to special education programs. Contact the appropriate board's Special Education department to confirm current program offerings.
Whether you are entering the Peel DSB system for the first time or seeking more from an existing IEP, the right resources make a difference. Start with diagnosis, then access OAP funding alongside school-based supports.
This page is part of the Regional Information topic cluster. Location-specific resources and data.
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.
Verified Facts
Under the Ontario Education Act, every student with special needs is entitled to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and access to an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC)
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50, According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement