Although the concept of Individualized Education Plans is the same in every province —what gets included and how they are developed will vary. It can also vary school board by school board in the same province. We have provided a few guides and samples from various provinces and school boards as examples:
• Sample Inclusion and Intervention Plan from the Ministry of Education Saskatchewan
• Inclusion and Intervention Plan Guidelines - Ministry of Education Saskatchewan
• A Parent’s Guide to the Individualized Education Plans - Peel District School Board Ontario
• Anatomy of an Individualized Education Plans - Understood
• Individualized Program Plan Templates - Ministry of Education Alberta
• The Individual Education Plan: A Resource Guide, Ministry of Education Ontario
Process to develop an Individualized Education Program
Although the terms used are different in each province, all Ministries provide for a process to identify the need for, develop and review an Individualized Education Plan. This process is done by a committee or team with parent involvement. The team will meet initially to determine whether a child falls under the necessary definition to receive an Individualized Education Plan, and then will typically meet annually to determine whether the identification and supports are still appropriate.
The important thing to remember as a parent is that you most definitely have a right to attend these meetings, and to receive all of the information that the committee members have to prepare for it. Although many parents are told that once identified, the annual meetings are just formalities, we at Dyslexia Canada recommend that you attend all of the annual review meetings. This is your opportunity to hear what the committee feels is best for your child, and for you to help them understand your child’s strengths, challenges, needs and feelings.
Here are some helpful links on what the Identification, Placement and Review Committee is and some tips on how to prepare for it.
• Learning Disability Association of Ontario
• Resource Guide: Special Education Navigation Tool
• Individual Education Plans: A Guide for Parents - BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils
• The Program Planning Process: A Guide for Parents and Guardians