Special education and IPRC appeals
in Ontario
Do you disagree with how the school has identified your child, or where they have been placed? Advice for parents in Ontario on IPRCs, IEPs and appeals, online by video or phone.
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In Ontario, an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) decides whether a student is identified as exceptional and what placement the student should have. The process is set by the Education Act and O. Reg. 181/98. Parents have rights to take part, to ask for a meeting and to appeal.
What we can do for you
IPRC meetings
Preparing for the meeting, what to bring and how to respond to the proposed decision.
More about education law →IEP concerns
Reviewing whether the plan reflects your child's needs and whether it is being followed.
More for students and parents →Appeals
Deadlines and steps for the Special Education Appeal Board and the Ontario Special Education Tribunal.
How a consultation works
You book
Choose a time online, or email us. You don't need any documents yet, and nothing you send at this stage is a commitment.
We run a conflict check
A lawyer can't act for both sides of the same dispute. So before we hear the details, we confirm we haven't acted for the other party, such as your employer or the school. It's a short check, and we email you as soon as it's done.
Your consultation
By video or phone. You tell us what happened. We listen, then explain your options in plain language. Ask anything.
You decide
If you'd like more help, we explain the cost before any work starts, in writing. If not, there's no obligation and no charge.
How an IPRC works
An IPRC is made up of at least three people, one of whom must be a principal or supervisory officer of the board. A school board trustee cannot be a member. The committee decides whether the student is exceptional, the category of exceptionality and the placement, such as a regular class with support or a special education class.
Parents' rights in the process
- You can ask in writing for an IPRC meeting, and the principal must then refer your child to the committee.
- You should receive written notice at least 10 days before the meeting.
- You, and your child if 16 or older, can attend, take part in the discussion and be present when the decision is made.
- You can bring a representative or another person to support you.
- The identification and placement must be reviewed at least once each school year, unless you give written notice dispensing with the review.
The IEP
Once a student is placed, the school must develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) within 30 school days of the placement starting. The IEP sets out the accommodations, any modified expectations and the supports the student will receive. Parents should be consulted and given a copy. An IEP can also be put in place for a student who has not gone through an IPRC.
Appeals and deadlines
If you disagree with the IPRC decision on identification or placement, there are two paths:
- Parents can ask for a follow-up meeting with the IPRC within 15 days of receiving the decision. If they still disagree, they can appeal within 15 days of receiving the decision from that second meeting.
- Or appeal directly to the Special Education Appeal Board by filing a notice of appeal with the board secretary, usually the director of education, within 30 days of receiving the decision.
- The appeal board makes a recommendation, and the school board then decides. If you disagree with the board's decision, you can appeal to the Ontario Special Education Tribunal, generally within 30 days of receiving it.
- The Tribunal's decision is final. Review by the Divisional Court is possible only in limited cases.
Accommodation and the Human Rights Code
The IPRC appeal process deals with identification and placement. Concerns about whether the school is meeting a student's disability-related needs day to day, such as supports not provided or an IEP not followed, may also raise the school's duty to accommodate under the Human Rights Code. An application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario must generally be filed within one year of the last incident.
How we can help
We can review the IPRC statement of decision, the IEP and reports, explain your options and deadlines, and help you prepare for a meeting or an appeal. The consultation fee for education matters is explained before any work begins.
Related: Education law · Students and parents · Applying to the HRTO
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed: October 2026 · Lutfi Law
Common questions
Still unsure? Our assistant can answer general questions any time.
Ask the AI assistantCan I ask for an IPRC meeting myself?
Yes. A written request to the principal requires the principal to refer your child to an IPRC.
How long do I have to appeal an IPRC decision?
Generally 30 days from receiving the decision to appeal to the Special Education Appeal Board, or 15 days after a follow-up meeting decision.
What happens after the appeal board?
The appeal board makes a recommendation and the school board decides. If you disagree, you can generally appeal to the Ontario Special Education Tribunal within 30 days.
Can I appeal the contents of an IEP to the appeal board?
The IPRC appeal process covers identification and placement. Other concerns about supports may be raised with the school and board, and in some cases through a human rights application.
Does my child have to attend the IPRC?
A student 16 or older is entitled to attend.
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