In short
The IPRC, or Identification, Placement and Review Committee, is the Ontario school board committee that formally decides whether a student is exceptional, for example gifted, and where they will be placed.
Parents can request an IPRC in writing, and the principal cannot refuse. Within 15 days the principal must acknowledge the request, give you the board’s special education guide and an approximate meeting date.
If you disagree with the decision, you have 15 days to ask for a second meeting and 30 days to appeal to the Special Education Appeal Board.
Key facts
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who can request | Parents, or students aged 16 and over, in writing |
| Principal’s reply | Within 15 days: acknowledgment, board guide, approximate date |
| Notice of meeting | At least 10 days |
| Who attends | Parents, student 16+, a support person, at least 3 school staff including the principal or superintendent |
| Decision | Written Statement of Decision |
| If you disagree | Second meeting within 15 days, appeal within 30 days |
| IEP | Developed within 30 days of the decision |
| Review | Every year; early review possible after 3 months in a placement |
What does the IPRC decide for a gifted student?
The committee decides two things. First, identification: whether the student is exceptional and in which category. Giftedness falls under the Intellectual category in Ontario. Second, placement: where the student will learn.
The Statement of Decision lists the category and definition, the student’s strengths and needs, the placement and recommended programs or services.
How do you request an IPRC?
Write to the principal. A short letter or email is enough: your child’s name, grade, school, and a request for an IPRC to consider identification as gifted. Keep a copy and note the date.
The principal must reply within 15 days. In boards with screening, such as York Region, the school usually starts the IPRC itself after the individual assessment. See how York Region screening works.
What happens at the meeting?
Expect at least three school staff, including the principal or a superintendent. Parents can bring a friend, family member or representative and ask for an interpreter. The committee reviews the assessment, hears from you and makes a decision.
Bring a short list: your child’s interests, what they find too easy at school, and any questions about placement. Committees value concrete examples.
What placements can the IPRC recommend?
| Placement | What it looks like for a gifted student |
|---|---|
| Regular class with indirect support | Teacher gets advice and resources; child stays in class |
| Regular class with resource assistance | Some direct support in the classroom |
| Regular class with withdrawal assistance | Child leaves class for part of the day for enrichment |
| Special education class with partial integration | Gifted class for part of the day |
| Full-time special education class | Congregated gifted class |
For the trade-offs between the last two, read congregated class vs withdrawal.
What if you disagree with the decision?
- Within 15 days of receiving the Statement of Decision, ask for a second IPRC meeting.
- Within 30 days, appeal to the Special Education Appeal Board.
- After 3 months in a placement, you can ask for an early review.
Common mistakes
- Asking verbally only. The 15-day clock starts with a written request.
- Missing the 15-day window. Put the date in your calendar the day the Statement of Decision arrives.
- Going alone when unsure. You can bring a support person.
- Accepting a placement you have not seen. Ask to visit the class or talk to the teacher.
- Skipping the IEP. It should be ready within 30 days of the decision. Ask for a copy.
FAQ
An IPRC is an Identification, Placement and Review Committee. It is the school board committee that formally decides whether a student is exceptional, for example gifted, and recommends a placement. Parents are invited to attend and receive a written Statement of Decision.
Yes. Parents, or students aged 16 and over, can request an IPRC in writing, and the principal cannot refuse. Within 15 days, the principal must acknowledge the request, provide the board’s special education guide and give an approximate meeting date.
The principal must give at least 10 days’ notice of the meeting date. You can ask for a different time if you cannot attend, and you can bring a support person or ask for an interpreter.
In Ontario, giftedness falls under the Intellectual exceptionality category. The Statement of Decision names the category and definition, lists your child’s strengths and needs, and records the placement and recommended programs or services.
You can ask for a second IPRC meeting within 15 days of receiving the Statement of Decision, or appeal to the Special Education Appeal Board within 30 days. Put the dates in your calendar as soon as the decision arrives.
Every year, unless the parent agrees in writing to skip the annual review. You can also ask for an early review once your child has been in a placement for 3 months.
Yes. An Individual Education Plan should be developed within 30 days of the IPRC decision. It describes the goals, programs and services for your child. Ask for a copy and for a chance to give input.
Sources
Rights and timelines: Justice for Children and Youth, IPRC guide, based on Ontario Regulation 181/98. York Region process: YRDSB Gifted Screening Procedure. This is general information, not legal advice; confirm details with your board’s special education guide. Checked 30 October 2026.
Prep4Gifted practice questions are original and written by our team. Prep4Gifted is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Riverside Insights (CogAT), Nelson (CCAT) or Pearson (WISC, NNAT, OLSAT). Test names are trademarks of their owners.
Before the IPRC there is usually a test. The free readiness check shows how your child handles verbal, quantitative and nonverbal reasoning in about 10 minutes.
[…] in a placement you can ask for an early review. Many families try one option and adjust. Read our IPRC guide for the […]