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Getting an IEP at School

Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.

Can my child get an IEP without a diagnosis

Yes. You do not need an autism diagnosis to request an IEP. A diagnosis helps your case, but the school cannot refuse to consider your request without one. Any child enrolled in an Ontario publicly funded school can be considered. No cost. You can request this at any time.

Quick check

  • Your child is enrolled in an Ontario publicly funded school
  • No diagnosis required. A diagnosis helps, but the school cannot refuse without one.
  • You can request this at any time during the school year
  • No cost. This is a school based support plan, not a funding program.

An IEP (Individual Education Plan) is a written plan that describes what special education programs, accommodations, and services the school will provide for your child. It is separate from OAP. Your child can have an IEP and receive OAP funding at the same time.

How do I request an IEP at my child's school

Talk to the teacher or principal, put your request in writing (email), and ask for an meeting. Do not wait for the school to bring it up.

  1. Talk to the teacher or principal. Tell them your child is struggling and you want to discuss special education supports. Put the request in writing (email) so there is a record.
  2. Request an IPRC meeting. IPRC stands for Identification, Placement and Review Committee. This is the formal step. You have the right to request this meeting.

Do not wait for the school to bring it up

Schools do not always initiate the IEP process. If your child needs support, ask. The sooner you start, the sooner the plan is in place.

What happens at an IPRC meeting

The committee reviews your child's situation, decides on identification as an exceptional learner, and sets up a placement. The IEP must be in place within 30 school days of identification.

  1. You request the IPRC meeting. The school must convene it.
  2. The committee meets.You can bring support people: a therapist, an advocate, an interpreter, or anyone who can speak to your child's needs.
  3. The committee decides on identification and placement. They review the information and determine whether your child is identified as an exceptional learner.
  4. IEP is developed within 30 school days. Once identified, the school must have an IEP in place within 30 school days and give you a copy.

What should I bring to an IEP meeting

Bring any documentation that shows your child's strengths, challenges, and needs. Specific examples matter more than labels.

Documents that help your case

  • Diagnostic reports if you have them. Not required, but they carry weight.
  • Therapy notes or progress reports from speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, or behavior analysts.
  • Your own notes about what your child struggles with at school and at home. Be specific.
  • Previous report cards or school assessments that show a pattern.

What if the school refuses or pushes back

You have rights. The school must convene an IPRC meeting if you request one. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal.

  • You can insist on an IPRC meeting. The school must convene it.
  • If you disagree with the IPRC decision, you can request a follow up meeting within 15 days.
  • You can file a formal appeal within 30 days of the decision.

You can bring an advocate

You are allowed to bring an advocate, therapist, or support person to any IPRC meeting. If you feel the school is not taking your concerns seriously, bring someone who can help you make the case.

Does an IEP replace or reduce OAP funding

No. School supports and OAP are completely separate systems run by different parts of government. Your child can have both an IEP and OAP Core Clinical funding at the same time. Neither affects the other.

  • If your child is starting kindergarten, the Entry to School program helps with the transition. The IEP process is separate but complementary.
  • SSAH and DTC are also completely unaffected by school supports.

What mistakes do families make with school IEPs

Waiting for the school to bring it up. Schools do not always initiate. If your child needs support, ask. Put it in writing.
Thinking a diagnosis is required. It is not. A diagnosis helps, but the school must consider your request regardless.
Going to the meeting alone. You can bring an advocate, therapist, or anyone who can speak to your child's needs.
Accepting a vague IEP. The plan should include specific, measurable goals. If it says "will improve behavior" without explaining how, ask for revisions.
Assuming the IEP replaces OAP therapy. School supports and OAP are completely separate systems. Your child can have both.

Official source

This guide is based on publicly available government information. Always verify with the official page:

ontario.ca: Individual Education Plans (opens in new tab)

Last verified against official source: April 2026

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What to do next

Check the Entry to School program

If your child is entering kindergarten or Grade 1, this free OAP program builds school readiness skills. Separate from the IEP.

See the Entry to School guide →

Sign up for Foundational Family Services

Free workshops and consultations for OAP families. Includes transition supports that may help with school related challenges.

See how to sign up for FFS →

Apply for SSAH if you have not already

Respite and daily support funding. Separate from both the school system and OAP. Not income tested.

See how to apply for SSAH →

Not sure what other programs may apply?

Find programs