School Support
The IEP isn't working (or isn't being followed)
Plain-language school guidance, the record to keep, and the next step available to your family.
- 1Understand what's happening
- 2Document it
- 3Send the letter
What this means
An IEP (Individual Education Plan) is the school's written plan for your child. Ontario Regulation 181/98 requires it to be developed in consultation with you (s. 6(2)) and to set out specific expectations, the program and services your child will receive, and how progress will be reviewed (s. 6(3)). After a placement, the plan must be completed and sent to you within 30 school days (s. 6(8)). Two different problems look similar: an IEP that is too weak, and a decent IEP that staff do not follow. Your records — what the plan says versus what actually happens — tell you which fight you are in.
What to do next
Read the IEP against reality
Line by line: which supports are actually happening? Mark each item delivered / partial / not happening, with examples.
Request a review meeting in writing
Use the IEP review letter — it cites the consultation duty and asks for a date within 5 business days.
Bring specifics, ask for specifics
Vague goals produce vague support. Ask for measurable expectations and named services with frequencies.
Confirm every change in writing
After the meeting, ask for the updated IEP and confirm in writing anything agreed verbally.
For students 14 and older
Ask for transition steps for post-secondary options, employment, and community living. Put dates and responsible staff in the IEP.
I am requesting a meeting to review my child's IEP. Which parts of the current plan are being delivered as written, and which are not? I would like the reviewed plan to state specific expectations, the exact services and their frequency, and how progress will be measured and reported to me. When will I receive the updated plan in writing? Please reply in writing within five business days.
What to record
- The current IEP, and your line-by-line notes on what is actually delivered
- Examples (dated) of supports in the plan not happening
- Your written review request and the school's response time
- What was agreed at each meeting — confirmed by you in writing afterwards
If it doesn't resolve
Most IEP problems resolve at the school level with written pressure; the superintendent letter cites the board's duties when they don't.
See the full escalation ladderWhat not to rely on
- "The IEP is a working document, we'll get to it."
- After placement, the plan must be completed and sent to you within 30 school days (O. Reg. 181/98, s. 6(8)). "Working document" is not a reason for missing services now.
- "We know your child, we don't need it all written down."
- Staff change; written plans survive. The regulation requires the plan to set out expectations, services, and review methods in writing.
Common questions
Legal authority for this page
SOURCE
e-Laws • 1998-04-01
SOURCE
Government of Ontario • 2024-01-01
SOURCE
Ontario Human Rights Commission • 2018-03-01
Last updated: 2026-07-04