With the help of Pleo, getting an individual education plan doesn’t seem so daunting
Kristina’s daughter was diagnosed with ADHD at age eight, but it turned out to be an incomplete diagnosis.
“She is also autistic,” says Kristina, who asked that her last name be withheld. Her daughter finally had an individual education plan (IEP) set up when she was in Grade 4, and it was worth it.
A written plan that describes special education programs, accommodations and services that a school board will provide for a student, an IEP is based on a thorough assessment of a student’s strengths, needs and ability to learn and demonstrate learning.
According to Kristina, Pleo—a non-profit family peer support organization for parents whose children are facing challenges—was a lifesaver. Through Pleo, Kristina got the expertise she didn’t have to advocate for her daughter, and to get an IEP in place. The Ottawa mom also met other parents who know what it’s like to struggle in getting help.
“As a parent, you still have to be vigilant,” says Kristina. “Pleo is one tool in the toolbox when your child needs help. Many schools are doing the best they can, but next year our daughter will be headed to a private school, along with her IEP, to better have her needs met.”
Pleo program manager Christie Kopczyk calls an IEP “the centrepiece of special education. Navigating how to get your child help through an individual education plan can be challenging,” says Kopczyk. “We’re here to help. We’re all parents who have been through the process, can offer peer support and can provide the strategies you’ll need.”
Christie Kopczyk. Photo Courtesy Christie Kopczyk
The process to get an IEP in place starts with speaking with the child’s teacher. “If your child is struggling, discuss with their teacher on what your child’s needs are and then how to support them,” Kopczyk says. Sometimes, even adjustments like prioritized seating, allowing alternative content or taking exams in chunks can help when discussed with your child’s teachers. “At Pleo, we provide strategies to help you advocate more collaboratively and professionally,” says Kopczyk. “Keeping emotions out of it is key. We can help you learn how to advocate for your child and walk you through the process.”
Pleo recommends that if you don’t understand the IEP, don’t sign it. Ask to be involved in how the IEP is developed, and bring information to the school or teacher, like previous report cards or teacher’s comments. It will all help in creating your child’s IEP as you move forward. For older students, the onus is more on them to approach the school with their needs. “Be part of the team addressing your child’s needs,” says Kopczyk. “Show their teachers that you are working at home.”
Pleo helped Cindy get help for her son.
“Back in 2020, I was referred to Pleo for parenting support regarding my son’s behaviour issues,” says Cindy, who asked that her last name be withheld. “It became apparent that I needed to get an IEP in place. They really helped me do it step by step.” In June 2022, Cindy reached out to Pleo again after her son had an issue at school, and they helped her with the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) at her son’s school. Pleo helped Cindy write the IPRC meeting request and explained how to start the conversation with the school. They also helped her brainstorm on what strategies and support the school can provide for her son.
“Pleo really provided some great input for the second IEP and made it more personalized,” says Cindy. “We had many meetings and they provided me with links for more help, as well as explaining my son’s rights and my rights as a parent in reviewing the documents. And the best thing was having my son’s teachers on board. It was good to talk to them and get their support.” Cindy says that her son is now managing well and headed into Grade 7.
Cadi’s son was in a motor vehicle collision at age four. He suffered a severe concussion and post trauma. She watched as her young son struggled from kindergarten to Grade 1. “School was so difficult for him,” says Cadi, who asked that her last name be withheld. “He was having problems reading and it was challenging for him to concentrate because of the accident.”
His doctor at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) mentioned Pleo to Cadi. She asked for an IPRC that resulted in an IEP. “Now I’ve got a support system in place, and it’s really helped my son,” says Cadi. “His reading has improved; he’s feeling better about himself and the support I get from other parents has helped me too. I used to cry a lot and feel very alone, but not anymore. I wish I’d known about Pleo a long time ago. And for any parent struggling, just reach out—the parents at Pleo get it.”
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“Everyone has a vested interest in how well your child is doing. I’d encourage any parent to be proactive and get prepared for the fall term now.” Christie Kopczyk