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Legal Disclaimer: This website presents advocacy arguments based on publicly available data and legal frameworks. While we strive for accuracy, this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Nothing on this website should be construed as a guarantee of any specific legal outcome.

Independence: End The Wait Ontario is a parent-led advocacy group. We are not affiliated with the Ontario government, the Ontario Autism Coalition, Autism Ontario, or the World Health Organization. We cite FOI data obtained by the Ontario Autism Coalition as a matter of public record. This does not constitute affiliation. References to these organizations are for informational purposes; no endorsement is implied.

Non-partisan policy advocacy: We advocate on policy outcomes for children and families and do not endorse any political party or candidate.

Statistics are current as of the dates cited and may change. For specific legal guidance, consult a licensed attorney. For medical advice, consult qualified healthcare professionals. Last updated: March 2026.

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  1. Home
  2. ›Education
  3. ›Iprc Process
Legal Rights

The IPRC Process: Identification, Placement, Review

The IEP is the “what.” The IPRC is the “where.” This is the formal process that decides if your child is exceptional and where they will learn.

67,399

Children On Waitlist

5 yrs

Average Wait Time

76.9%

Receive Zero Core Funding

Quick Summary

  • IPRC (Identification, Placement, and Review Committee) is the formal meeting that decides WHERE your child will learn.
  • You have the right to request an IPRC meeting at any time. The school must hold one within 15 school days.
  • There are 5 placement options, from regular class with support to a fully self-contained special education class.
  • If you disagree with the IPRC decision, you can appeal to a Special Education Appeal Board within 30 days.

The 5 Placement Options

The IPRC committee can decide on one of these five specific placements. They cannot decide on specific teaching strategies (that's the IEP).

1. Regular Class (Indirect Support)

Student creates own success; special ed teacher consults with regular teacher.

2. Regular Class (Resource Assistance)

Student goes to Resource Room for short periods (e.g., 20 mins/day) for specific help.

3. Regular Class (Withdrawal Assistance)

Student receives instruction outside the classroom for less than 50% of the day.

4. Special Education Class (Partial)

Student is in a specialized class for at least 50% of the day, integrated for remainder.

5. Special Education Class (Full Time)

Student is in a specialized class for the entire school day.

How to Request an IPRC

The Principal must convene an IPRC if you request it in writing. Do not ask verbally in the hallway. Send an email or letter.

"I am writing to request an IPRC meeting for my child, [Name]. Please inform me of the approximate date of this meeting."

What Happens at the Meeting?

  1. The Committee: Usually consists of the Principal and two other staff (often a Special Ed teacher or Superintendent).
  2. The Discussion: They review assessments (psychological, medical) to determine if your child meets the definition of "Exceptional".
  3. The Decision: They will issue a "Statement of Decision" stating:
    • Category of Exceptionality (e.g., "Communication: Autism").
    • Placement (one of the 5 options above).

Refusal to Identify

Sometimes schools hesitate to Identification (IPRC) because it legally binds them to provide supports. They might say "We don't need an IPRC to give him an IEP."This is true, but an IPRC provides stronger legal protection and an official appeal process.

Your Right to Appeal

If you disagree with the IPRC decision, you have 15 days to file a notice of appeal. This is a strict deadline. The appeal goes to a "Special Education Appeal Board" (SEAB).

“You have the right to be present at every IPRC meeting, to disagree with any placement decision, and to appeal.”

— Ontario Ministry of Education

Read Next

Go to IEP Complete Guide

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Verified References & Sources

Updated: Feb 2026

Government Reports & Data

[2020]
Autism ServicesVerified FAO Data
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2020-07-21
View
[2024]
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan ReviewVerified FAO Data
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2024-02-29
View
[2025]
Ontario Autism Coalition FOI update on Ontario Autism Program registrations and fundingVerified FAO Data
Ontario Autism Coalition • Report • 2025-12-10
View
[2024]
Diagnostic Hub Waitlist Data (Freedom of Information Request)Verified FAO Data
Trillium Health Partners • Report • 2024-03-15
View

Official Government Sources

[2025]
Canada Disability Benefit - How much you could receiveGovernment Source
Government of Canada • Government • 2025-06-20
View

Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.

Related Resources

  • Education Hub
  • Special Education Rights
  • IEP Guide
  • Education / School Journey Map
FOI Data Verified
Featured: World Health Organization
Active HRTO Advocacy — Case 2025-62264-I
FAO & Legislative Assembly Cited

Where Do You Start?

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Just diagnosed?
First steps after an autism diagnosis
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Verified Facts

Facts cited on this page

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)

Gov / Peer-ReviewedGovernment of Ontario (2024)Verified: 2024-01-01

87,692 — children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program

Gov / Peer-ReviewedFOI Dec 2025 (OAC)Verified: 2026-03-19

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

Gov / Peer-ReviewedPublic Health Agency of Canada (2024)Verified: 2024-03-26

23.1% — 23,875 children enrolled in Core Clinical Services; 20,293 have active funding agreements ()

Gov / Peer-ReviewedFOI Dec 2025 (OAC)Verified: 2026-03-19

WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement

Gov / Peer-ReviewedWorld Health Organization (2024)Verified: 2024-11-15
View our methodologyView all sourcesNext data update: 2026-04-15

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