Grand Erie uses three levels of Identification, Placement and Review Committees (IPRCs):

• School
• Central
• System

The caregiver and student are important participants within the IPRC process. Learn more about the role you play by referencing the Identification, Placement and Review Committee - Caregiver Resource.

 

* The chair of the school level IPRC is the principal of the home school. If the principal is unable to attend, a principal from another school and/or a supervisory officer must attend, as a vice-principal cannot be the sole principal representative on an IPRC.

In addition to the three people that constitute an IPRC, other people may attend an IPRC meeting, including the principal of the home school, the student’s teacher or board support staff, a parent/caregiver or the student (if over 16 years of age) and/or a parent representative. The parent/caregiver and student (when over 16) are entitled to be present and participate in the discussions about the pupil and to be present when the committee’s identification and placement decisions are made.

The Scope for each level of IPRC is, as follows:

1. School level IPRCs review an original identification and review an original placement if the placement was “regular class”. A School level IPRC may also recommend placement of a student who is already identified as an exceptional student with a Learning Disability at a Demonstration School.
2. Central IPRCs determine the original identification of a student. They also determine the original “regular class” placements and placements in area special classes. Area IPRCs also review placement in area special classes. In addition, they will determine the original identification and placement of complex cases.
3. System IPRCs determine the placement of students in system special classes. They also review placements in system special classes. System level IPRCs also make referrals to Provincial schools and determine original identification and placement of complex cases.

• Principals may, upon written notification to the parent/caregiver, and must, at the written request of the parent/caregiver, refer a student to an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC).
• Identifications are made in accordance with Ministry policy and regulations. In order to be identified as an “exceptional pupil” a student must meet the criteria for the exceptionality.
• School level IPRCs have one option for placement – regular class.
• Central and System level IPRCs have two options for placement – regular class or special class.
• Discussions about a student’s Individual Educational plan, and other program options, may occur at a meeting of the IPRC. This discussion should include a description of the student’s strengths and needs. The decision-making of the IPRC is restricted to the student’s identification and placement and includes identifying the next date for a review.
• Notification to parents/caregivers and other parties about the date, time, and location of the IPRC is the responsibility of the principal of the home school and must be provided 10 days in advance of the IPRC.
• Minutes of the IPRC will be completed by the Chair and will include a checklist indicating the decision about identification and placement. Minutes must be filed at the school in the Ontario Student Record (OSR).
• Communication of IPRC decisions to parents/caregivers and to area/central files should occur as follows:
• School Level IPRC – the home school principal communicates in writing to the parent/caregiver
• Central IPRC – the principal who chaired the IPRC communicates in writing to parent/caregiver, and to schools
• System Level IPRC – Principal-Leader Specialized Services or designate communicates in writing to parent/caregiver, and to schools.

The Grand Erie District School board shall establish one or more committees for the Identification and Placement of exceptional students, determine the jurisdiction of each committee and establish the manner in of selecting the chair of the committee. The board shall direct administration to select individuals who meet the requirements of the members set out by the board.

The Board shall appoint three or more persons to each committee that it establishes. The board shall appoint as one of the members of each committee:

• a principal employed by the board
• a Supervisory Officer employed by the board

The Board shall direct administration to ensure that individual membership on each IPRC meets the requirements as set out by the board.

Caregiver Resources available:

• Parent/Caregiver Guide to Special Education and the Identification Placement Review Committee
• Identification Placement and Review Committee – Caregiver Resource
• Individual Education Plan