Placements
Once identified as having an exceptionality, the IPRC will determine what type of placement is best suited for the student.
Placements refer to what type of educational setting would best meet the needs of an exceptional student.
There are five types of special education placements:
Regular class with indirect support
- The student attends a regular classroom for the entire school day.
- The teacher receives support from a special education teacher.
Regular class with resource assistance
- The student attends a regular classroom for the entire school day.
- The student will get help from a special education teacher, either individually or in a small group.
Regular class with withdrawal assistance
- The student attends a regular classroom for more than half of the school day.
- The student will get help from a special education teacher outside of the regular classroom for part of the day.
Special education class with partial integration
- The student will be in a regular classroom less than half of the school day.
- The remaining part of the school day, the student will receive instruction outside the classroom from a special education teacher.
Full-time special education class
- The student will spend the entire day in a special education class.
Maximum class sizes for full-time special education classes differ, based on the level of need. For student with severe learning disabilities, the maximum is eight students in one class, with a qualified special education teacher. Mixed exceptionality classes may have up to 16 students with one teacher. For more information on special education classroom placements, see Regulation 298 of the Education Act, section 31The student should always be placed in a regular classroom, except when this placement would not be able to meet their needs. Under these circumstances, the IPRC decision must explain the reason for the special education classroom placement.
Teachers in a special education classroom must have specific qualifications.
If an exceptional student is placed in a special education class, the IPRC must provide written reasons for doing so
Maximum class sizes for full-time special education classes differ, based on the level of need. For student with severe learning disabilities, the maximum is eight students in one class, with a qualified special education teacher. Mixed exceptionality classes may have up to 16 students with one teacher.
For more information on special education classroom placements, see Regulation 298 of the Education Act, section 31
In addition to the five placement options, the IPRC can also refer the student to one of the Provincial and Demonstration Schools. Students must meet eligibility requirements for admission to either:
- a provincial school for the blind, deaf, or deaf-blind, or
- a provincial demonstration school for students with severe learning disabilities
Learn more at www.pdsbnet.ca