Special Education

At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, we want every student to have the opportunity to reach their full potential by allowing them to grow and develop as unique individuals. This is reflected in our approach to special education and in the full range of placements and services we provide to meet student needs.

Every student brings value to their school community

We actively promote the goal of inclusion– where students with special needs participate fully in the life of their school community. Although students with very high needs may require specialized placements, wherever possible, students with special needs learn in regular classrooms with age-appropriate peers.

Where do parents start?

Navigating the world of special education can be overwhelming. At the OCSB, we want to work with you to provide your child with the best possible education experience we can. If you have special education concerns about your child, the best first step is to talk with your child’s classroom teacher or resource teacher. Once you’ve talked to them you can also get assistance and direction from your school Principal, a special education consultant, your school Superintendent or the Superintendent of Special Education.

Individual Education Plan (IEP)

To make sure we meet the learning needs of your child, we collaborate with you to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for your child every year. This written plan outlines the special education program or services your child will need to learn and demonstrate they are learning. Your child’s IEP is a working document that will be reviewed and adjusted throughout the year.

Identification, Placement and Review Committee

Our Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) is the team that decides whether or not a student should be identified as exceptional. The committee consists of a Principal, two other teachers and or Special Education staff. They are also responsible for determining the appropriate placement for the student using guidelines from the Ministry of Education. These decisions are reviewed at least once per school year. Learn more about IPRC meetings in our Special Education Parent Guide.

Special Education Report

Our Special Education Report provides a comprehensive look at all of the special education programs and services we offer.

A community of like-minded members – SEAC

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is a Ministry-mandated advisory committee that provides important advice on matters regarding special education programs to the Board. Many parents of children with special education needs find this committee helpful. Current representatives include:

SEAC Members 2022- 2026

• Traci Clarke – SEAC Chair – Community Member at Large

• Susan Muleme Kasumba – SEAC Co-Chair – Brain Injury Association of the Ottawa Valley

• Charlene White – Down Syndrome Association National Capital Region

• Carlos Probst (Alternate) – Down Syndrome Association National Capital Region

• Cindy Martin – Autism Ontario

• Adrienne Charlton – ABC Association for Bright Children

• Davina Mullaley – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

• Kim Chan & (Lisa Carter Alternate) Learning Disability Association Ontario – Ottawa Chapter

• Dawn Pickering & (Helen McRobbie Alternate) – Ontario Parents of Visually Impaired Children

• Catherine Holmes – Community Member at Large

• Kerry Monaghan – Community Member at Large

• Mara Chapeskie – Community Member at Large

Meetings are held monthly during the school year at 7:00 pm at the Board office (570 West Hunt Club Road) in Nepean. All meetings are open to the public.

2023-2024 SEAC Agendas & Minutes