School Support
School support starts with a paper trail.
Direct answer
School Support Navigator · Verified 2026-07-08
Four steps to a stronger school support plan
Document
Keep a detailed record of communications, meetings and the support provided.
See what to documentRequest
Formally request assessments, accommodations and an Individual Education Plan.
Get request guidanceFollow up
Track responses and timelines. Put it in writing.
Learn how to follow upTake action
If supports are not provided, use the escalation options open to families.
See your options
What to document and what to ask for
What to document
Keep a clear, factual record. Include:
- Dates, times and people involved
- Meeting notes (IPRC, school team meetings)
- Emails and written communication
- Support provided (EA time, modified schedule)
- Changes to attendance or program
- Your observations at home and school
- Any safety, behaviour or accessibility concerns
Be factual, neutral and consistent. Save everything, including positive updates.
What to ask for
You can formally request:
- Assessment for special education (IPRC)
- An Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- Access to an Educational Assistant (EA)
- Accommodations, such as communication or sensory supports
- Regular review meetings
- A clear plan for transitions
- Written confirmation of all decisions
Put requests in writing and keep a copy.
In brief
Quick summary
- One short wizard matches your situation to guidance, letters, and an escalation plan
- The incident log builds the dated record every escalation route asks for
- Every legal reference verified against the Education Act, O. Reg. 181/98, and the Human Rights Code
Three ways to start
Go straight to your situation
Your child is being kept out of school
When a school keeps your child out, that may be an "exclusion." This includes refusing entry, sending them home early, or asking you to keep them home.
Your child is on a shortened school day
A "modified day" means your child attends school for less than the full day.
Your child has been suspended
Suspensions follow Part XIII of the Education Act.
Your child's EA support isn't being provided
If your child's IEP includes educational assistant (EA) support, that support is part of the special education services the board must provide.
You have safety concerns at school
Safety concerns can mean two things.
The IEP isn't working (or isn't being followed)
An IEP (Individual Education Plan) is the school's written plan for your child.
You need an IPRC — or disagree with one
An IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) decides if your child is an "exceptional pupil" and what placement they get.
Take it to your board's SEAC
Every Ontario school board has a Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).
Get everything in writing
Whatever your school problem is, one habit helps: put it in writing.
What this can and cannot do
- Capability
- It can match your situation to the right guidance, generate cited letters, and build the dated record that every escalation route asks for.
- Limit
- It cannot give legal advice, predict outcomes, or assess the merits of any case. Where a decision needs a professional, we say so and point to free help.
- Privacy
- It never sends your family's information anywhere. Answers, logs, and letters live in your browser only.
Common questions
No. Your answers, your incident log, and your generated letters exist only in your own browser (localStorage on your device). Nothing is uploaded, and there is no account. You can clear everything with one click.
No. The school tool stands alone. School rights under the Education Act and the Human Rights Code apply whether or not your child is registered with the OAP or has received funding.
No. Everything here is general legal information with citations to official sources. For advice about your specific situation, contact ARCH Disability Law Centre (archdisabilitylaw.ca), the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (hrlsc.on.ca), or a community legal clinic — all free.
Get the support your child is owed at school.
Get practical tools, know your rights and take the next step.
Evidence for this guide
| Date | Record | Publisher | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-01-01 | Ontario Education Act — Special Education Requirements (IPRC, IEP) | Government of Ontario | Government source |
| 1998-04-01 | Ontario Regulation 181/98 — Identification and Placement of Exceptional Pupils | e-Laws | Government source |
| 2008-02-01 | Ontario Regulation 472/07 — Behaviour, Discipline and Safety of Pupils (mitigating and other factors) | e-Laws | Government source |
| 1990-01-01 | Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19 | e-Laws | Government source |
| 2018-03-01 | Policy on Accessible Education for Students with Disabilities | Ontario Human Rights Commission | Government source |
| 2026-05-12 | Special Report: Special Education Needs | Government of Ontario | Government source |