3. Understand the IPRC decision
Question & Answer
My child has learning difficulties. Does the school have to help?The IPRC has at least 3 people. At least one of them must be a principal or a school board superintendent.
The IPRC doesn't always make its decision immediately. For example, it might have to wait for additional information from a doctor or another professional.
The IPRC gives you a copy of its decision. If your child is 16 or older, they also get a copy.
The decision:
- says if your child has an exceptionality
- explains the exceptionality
- describes your child's strengths and weaknesses
- says where your child is placed
- recommends programs and services the school should give your child
The school must follow the IPRC decision about where your child is placed. This decision includes how much time they spend with a special education teacher or in a special education classroom.
The school does not have to follow the IPRC's recommendations about specific programs or services. They are only recommendations.
Possible placements
The IPRC can place your child in a:
- regular classroom for the full day with additional supports from the regular classroom teacher
- regular classroom for the full day with supports from a special education teacher
- regular classroom for at least half the day, with some time in a special education classroom
- special education classroom for at least half the day, with some time in a regular classroom
- special education classroom for the full day
If a regular classroom can give your child what they need, then the IPRC must try to place your child there.
Agreeing or disagreeing with the decision
You need to tell the principal whether you agree or disagree with the IPRC decision within 30 days.
If you agree with the decision, then you sign a document saying that you agree.
If you don't agree, you can either:
- ask for a follow-up meeting with the IPRC, or
- appeal the to the Special Education Appeal Board (SEAB). See Step 5 for more information on appeals.
If you choose a follow-up meeting, you must ask the principal for that meeting within 15 days of the IPRC's decision. At the follow-up meeting, tell the IPRC what you don't agree with and what you would like to happen instead. If your child is 16 or older, they can also tell the IPRC what they think.
If you still don't agree with the IPRC decision after the follow-up meeting, then you can appeal to the SEAB.
