Q: What are the main types of support available within the school system for children with special needs or neurodivergence?
A: Support is typically available at both the school level and the system level.
At the school level, key supports include:
- Classroom teacher, vice principal, and principal
- Educational Assistants or Special Needs Assistants
- Special Education Resource Teachers
- School Support Teams: psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers.
- Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
At the system level, school boards may offer access to:
- Special Education Consultants and Coordinators
- Autism teams
- Behaviour Consultants
- BCBA Therapists (Board Certified Behaviour Analysts)
- SEA (Specialized Equipment Allocation) Consultants
If school-level/system level support isn’t enough, a more formal process called an IPRC (Identification, Placement, and Review Committee) can be initiated. We’ll go into more detail on that shortly.
Q: How does a child become eligible for these supports? What does the process look like?
A: Referrals can come from either a teacher or a parent. Often, a teacher may flag a student who’s struggling early in the school year. In other cases, a parent may enroll their child with a known diagnosis and request specific support.
The process depends on the nature and severity of the child’s needs and whether those needs can be addressed within the school or require more system-level intervention. Documentation like assessments, report cards, and observations usually guide the next steps.
Q: Can you explain the difference between an IEP and an IPRC?
A: Absolutely.
An IEP (Individual Education Plan) is a plan specific to the individual student who needs support. It’s developed collaboratively by educators and parents to meet the individual student’s needs in order to be successful in school. It outlines learning goals, accommodations, and modifications that help the student access the curriculum. It can also include alternative goals in areas like self-regulation or communication. IEPs are updated regularly – typically three times per year or as needed.
An IPRC (Identification, Placement, and Review Committee) is a more formal process. It’s a panel of educational professionals (including a neutral principal and psychologist) who review documents such as psychological assessments, report cards and other relevant assessments/reports, like OT or SLP to determine whether a student should be identified as “exceptional” and possibly placed in a specialized program or class.
Parents are part of this process and can agree, decline, or appeal the decision. While an IEP can exist without an IPRC, going through the IPRC process may open doors to more intensive or alternative placements.
Q: What role does a Special Education Resource Teacher play in a child’s success?
A: A big one! Resource teachers often become a trusted adult that students can rely on for both academic and emotional support.
They work closely with classroom teachers and help implement the IEP, making sure accommodations are in place. In inclusive classrooms, they may support students during lessons or work with them in small groups afterward. Their collaboration with other support staff like therapists or consultants creates a more cohesive support system around the child.
Co-Parenting & Advocacy
Q: How does effective co-parenting advocacy impact a child’s experience at school?
A: It has a huge impact, especially for children with complex needs.
When both parents stay informed and consistent, it helps the child feel safe and supported. This includes keeping similar routines in both households, sharing school updates and documentation, and showing up to meetings together when possible. Unified parenting helps reinforce stability at school, even if things are changing at home.
Q: What kinds of communication between separated parents help the most?
A: Ideally, both parents should receive all school communication directly – whether it’s IEP documents, meeting reminders, or report cards. When both are informed, they can reinforce the same messages and stay aligned on their child’s needs.
Also, honest and respectful communication with each other and with the school helps everyone involved support the child more effectively.
Q: What happens when co-parents aren’t aligned? How does that affect the child?
A: Misalignment can create confusion and emotional distress for kids. When they receive mixed messages like different rules and different expectations, it can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, or acting out.
Some children may blame themselves for the conflict or worry about their place in each parent’s life. These emotions make it harder to focus, learn, and participate in school. It’s important that parents find a way to work as a team, even if they live separately.
Tips for Professionals & Parents
Q: How can mediators or support professionals help parents feel confident navigating the school system?
A: We can help by building relationships with school staff, explaining school processes, and demystifying special education terms. There’s a lot of jargon: IPRC, IEP, BCBA, etc.and it can be overwhelming.
Encourage parents to read through their child’s IEP, ask questions of school staff and use trusted resources like the Special Education Handbook for Parents or the board’s website.
Q: What should separating or divorcing parents know about supporting their child’s education during the transition?
A: Transitions are tough, especially for neurodivergent kids. So wherever possible, try to maintain routines: keep up with special school events, stick to extracurriculars, and attend parent-teacher meetings together if you can.
Let the school know about the separation so staff can keep an eye out for emotional changes. A stable, supportive school environment can be a powerful anchor during family change.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the school system – and how to advocate within it – can empower families to better support their children. With collaboration, communication, and consistency, even the most challenging situations can be navigated with care.
At Phoenix Family Mediation Solutions, we’re here to support families through transitions of all kinds, including navigating the education system. If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
