1. Requesting the IPRC Meeting (Initiation)

The IPRC meeting can be requested by parents/guardians in a written request to the school principal. Alternatively, a school principal may request an IPRC, provided they give the parents 10 days notice in writing.

2. Scheduling and Notification

• Within 15 days of receiving a written request from the parent or giving notice of their referral, the principal must acknowledge the request, give the parent a copy of the parents’ guide, and notify them approximately when the IPRC will meet.

• Written notification of the specific date, time, and location of the IPRC meeting will be sent to parents at least 10 days prior to the meeting.

3. The IPRC Meeting

The IPRC is composed of at least three people, including the school principal or a supervisory officer. Parents/guardians are entitled to be present at and participate in all committee discussions.

The committee reviews assessments (educational, and potentially health or psychological assessments) and considers any information submitted by the parents or the student (if age 16 or older). When making a placement decision, the IPRC must first consider whether placement in a regular class with appropriate special education services will meet the child's needs and be consistent with parental preferences. Placements considered range from a regular class with indirect service to a special class program for 100% of the day, or a referral to a provincial demonstration school.

4. Post-Meeting Decision and Agreement

After the meeting, parents receive two copies of the IPRC Statement of Decision.

• If parents agree with the identification and placement decision, they must sign and return one copy to the school.

• If parents do not sign or notify the principal within 15 days, the identification and placement outlined in the decision will proceed.

5. Appeals Process

If parents disagree with the IPRC's identification or placement decision, they may appeal.

• Requesting a Second Meeting: Parents may notify the IPRC and principal in writing within fifteen (15) days of receiving the written notification of the IPRC decisions to arrange a follow-up meeting.

• Filing an Appeal (Post-Second Meeting): If parents remain dissatisfied after the second IPRC meeting, they may file a notice of appeal with the Director of the Board within fifteen (15) days of receiving written notification from the second meeting.

• Filing an Appeal (Original Decision): Alternatively, a parent may appeal the original decision by giving written notice to the Director within thirty (30) days of the original decision, choosing to forgo a request for a second meeting.

• Appeal Board Meeting: Once a special education appeal board is established, the chair will arrange a meeting no later than 30 days after the chair has been selected, unless a later date is consented to by both the parent and the Board.

• Appeal Board Recommendation: The appeal board must make its recommendations within 3 days of the meeting ending.

• School Board Decision: The School Board must decide what action it will take within 30 days of receiving the appeal board's written report. Parents who still disagree may then appeal to a Special Education Tribunal.

6. Annual Review

The identification and placement of every exceptional pupil must be reviewed at least once a year at the annual IPRC review meeting. Parents may also request a review of the placement at any time after the placement has been in effect for three (3) months by applying in writing to the appropriate principal.