Last year, the central special education team continued to adapt Individualized Education Program (IEP) and IPRC processes and procedures virtually to meet the needs of special education students and their families. Our speech-language pathologists assessed students virtually and provided support to speech-language assistants and school teams. Our applied behaviour analysis leaders continued supporting students and staff both virtually and in person. Our teacher diagnosticians were also able to assess students in person and support students, families, and schools. Psychological services continued to be provided virtually to support students and families. The central special education team offered many professional development sessions to educators throughout the school year to support staff and build capacity. Virtual meetings have increased the special education team’s ability to provide timely support for schools and students. The beginning of the 2021 school year allowed our special education team to work directly with students in schools. The team was very excited to support students and schools directly. A balance of virtual and direct support was used to optimize special education services.
In preparation for the new school year, KPDSB offered a transition-to-school program. Over fifty staff, including education assistants, early childhood educators, teachers, and school administrators, supported the transition of students with special education needs and mental health needs back to school. Over one hundred students with special education needs participated in the summer transition program. In addition, the summer transition program supported over a hundred students with their mental health and wellness. This program offered transition meetings and programs to familiarize students with schools, classrooms, staff, routines, and academics. Social stories were also offered to help bridge the gap and facilitate smooth transitions to the new school year. Students and families were grateful for the transition opportunities, and many expressed how helpful the program was and how it eased stress and anxiety for students and families.
KPDSB partnered with George Jeffries Children’s Centre to offer social skills programming for students with autism-spectrum disorders. Various programs were offered to students with the support of staff to develop their social skills. Workshops for parents and caregivers were also offered. We continued this partnership through the summer for students with autism spectrum disorders and their families, looking at foundational skills and school readiness workshops to ensure they receive exceptional programs and services to succeed.
In 2021, a new IEP program was implemented, and the special education team navigated how it can support students and tracking of information in special education (such as SEA equipment, transition planning, etc.). Central special education staff provided training sessions for special education resource teachers on navigating the new program and developing IEPs, as well as the IPRC process. The special education team provided ongoing support to school staff as they learned how to use the new system to support schools and students.
We are in the process of taking a careful look at our special education procedures to ensure that they support inclusion and accessibility of pathways and evaluate whether our processes promote equity of outcomes for students.
