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Education Guide
Start with the home school. Ask for the current TDSB Special Education Plan, available Intensive Support Programs, and the written steps for requesting an IPRC.
In brief
Case file
What's happening
Start with the home school. Ask for the current TDSB Special Education Plan, available Intensive Support Programs, and the written steps for requesting an IPRC.
Ask for it in writing today
Whatever you decide to request, put it in writing and date it — a verbal answer leaves no record. The School Support Navigator can draft a letter for your specific situation.
What records to keep
A dated log of calls, emails, and meetings matters more than memory once a dispute runs past a few weeks. The Parent Documentation Toolkit walks through what to track.
The rule or duty that applies
2 governing sources for this topic, listed below with what each one covers.
The escalation ladder
If the first request does not resolve it, there is a standard next step — from the school, up through the board, to the Ombudsman and the Tribunal.
The evidence
4 verified figures for this topic, sourced below.
What to do next
A short list of concrete next actions, including where to raise this with your MPP.
TDSB offers Intensive Support Programs for some students who need more intensive support. Families can use the board's ISP list to see where programs are located across TDSB.
ISP programs are available at both elementary and secondary levels across the city. Students are placed through the IPRC process. The program focuses on academic, communication, social, and self-regulation skills.
ISP students may participate in integration activities with regular classroom peers. The level of integration is determined by the student's IEP goals and readiness. TDSB supports a continuum from self-contained to fully integrated settings.
TDSB speech-language pathologists work with students, educators, and families on speech, language, and literacy skills. They do not provide one-on-one therapy. A student can be referred for an assessment or consultation after a School Support Team meeting.
TDSB employs autism consultants who provide direct support to schools. They conduct classroom observations, model strategies for teachers, and support IEP development. Families can request autism consultant involvement through their child's school.
In some cases, TDSB works with external services such as School-Based Rehabilitation Services or Holland Bloorview for specialized speech therapy. TDSB speech-language pathologists manage referrals as needed.
TDSB publishes its Special Education Plan annually, as required by the Ontario Ministry of Education. The plan describes all special education programs, services, and staffing. It is available on the TDSB website.
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) provides input to the board on special education matters. SEAC includes parent representatives and members from community organizations. Meetings are public and families can attend.
Parents can access the SEAC meeting schedule and agendas on the TDSB website. Attending SEAC meetings gives families insight into board-wide special education decisions and an opportunity to raise concerns.
Toronto District School Board
Special Education Plan (tdsb.on.ca/special-education)
Ontario Ministry of Education
Standards for School Boards' Special Education Plans
Escalation ladder
This is general information, not legal advice, and no outcome is guaranteed at any rung. It is the same escalation path used across End The Wait Ontario's School Support Navigator.
Put your concern in writing to the principal. Most issues resolve at this level once there is a dated, written record — and every later rung will ask what you raised here.
If the principal does not respond in writing or the issue continues, escalate to the board's superintendent responsible for special education, attaching your correspondence with the school.
The board level: the Director of Education, and in parallel the board's SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) for systemic issues. Suspension appeals also live here — with a 10-school-day notice window (Education Act, s. 309(3)).
Since September 1, 2015, the Ontario Ombudsman takes complaints about school boards. It reviews how the board handled your concern — bring your dated chronology and the record of the steps you already took.
The HRTO hears applications about discrimination, including disability discrimination in education services. Applications must be filed within one year of the incident (or the last in a series) — Human Rights Code, s. 34(1). This site provides general information only; get advice from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (hrlsc.on.ca) or a lawyer before filing.
Request an IPRC meeting through your child's school. Bring a copy of the autism diagnosis and any clinical reports. The IPRC will review the evidence and recommend placement. ISP placement depends on the student's needs and program availability.
Transportation is provided when an IPRC or SEPRC places a student in a special education program outside the home school and the student meets eligibility criteria. Most students with special education needs must meet distance rules, but TDSB reviews each application for unique circumstances. Send the application form to the local school principal.
Yes. SEAC meetings are open to the public. The schedule and agendas are posted on the TDSB website. Attending gives you insight into special education decisions. You can also submit questions or concerns for SEAC to consider.
Next steps
Next Steps
Now that you know how it works, use it for your child.
Can autistic students get an educational assistant (EA)?
VerifiedSchools may assign EAs based on IEP needs, but 47% of families report insufficient supports. EA availability varies by board and often fails to match clinical needs, leaving many autistic students without necessary classroom support.
Source: Ontario Education Act & OAC · Open source record
What rights do autistic children have to timely services in Ontario?
VerifiedCanadian Charter of Rights (Section 15) protects against discrimination based on disability. The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits unequal treatment in services. OHRC has investigated the OAP waitlist as potential systemic discrimination. Families can file human rights complaints for unreasonable delays.
Source: Canadian Charter, OHRC · Open source record
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