Transition to School for Students with Special Education Needs
Together We Can!
Children may start school in September if they turn 4 (JK) or 5 (SK) by December 31 of that year. They are not legally required to attend school until age 6. You can choose whether or not to send your child to Junior or Senior Kindergarten.
You may change your mind at any time during the process; however, early planning provides time for information sharing and program planning.
If your child has special needs, further information about starting school is available by contacting your neighborhood school or the Educational Services office at 613-542-9871.
It is important to discuss school planning with your current service, child care or health care providers.
If you choose enrolment, you can contact the principal at your neighborhood school or contact Educational Services to start the transition to school process.
Tell the principal or your Educational Services contact about your child’s special needs and he/she will arrange for a transition meeting to share information and discuss ways that the school might meet your child’s needs.
You may be asked to provide your consent to the gathering and exchange of information between the preschool service system and the school board that would be helpful in planning for your child’s transition.
The Transition Process
The school principal or Educational Services receives information about new students by parent contact or through preschool community agencies.
The school principal or Educational Services share student information and arrange a transition meeting at the school with parents, appropriate school staff and preschool agency.
During the meeting your child’s strengths and special needs as well as supports that may be needed will be discussed. In addition an action plan will be determined which outlines next steps.
This may include:
School visit
Day care visit
Transportation arrangements
Gathering of assessments for planning
Other specific details to ensure a smooth transition
After Enrolment:
As appropriate, the school, through the Principal, Vice Principal, Student Support Teacher or other Special Education Teacher will make referrals with your consent to school board services or external agencies such as Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).
You may be invited to a meeting in the fall to provide consultation in the development of your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) if one is required.
At any time you may request a meeting to share information and discuss your child’s progress, needs or program.
Tips for Parents:
Planning ahead ensures a smooth transition
Make an initial contact and request school information packages in January or February if you’ve decided to send your child to school.
The school principal or Education Services is your initial contact
Ask if there is a parent information night at the school
Ask your current service providers if there are workshops to assist with transition to school
Your family support worker or other agency personnel may accompany you to the transition meeting to share information
Further information regarding the education system in Ontario can be found at the Ministry of Education website at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/
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