Front of the Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School building

Academics

Special Education

The Special Education Department at Father Henry Carr C.S.S., in collaboration with all staff, is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. In partnership with families, we focus on developing the full spiritual, physical, academic, cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing of each student. The Special Education Department is a multi-disciplinary team of board staff who work together to support students.

Individual Education Plan (IEP) 

In consultation with parents/guardians, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed for each student receiving Special Education support. The IEP is a working document that reflects their unique strengths, needs and any required accommodations and/or modifications. The Special Education Department works collaboratively with classroom teachers to ensure that each student’s Individual Education Plan is implemented.  

Identification, Placement and Review Committee Meetings (IPRC)

Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) meetings are held annually for students who are identified as exceptional pupils. The IPRC has three essential functions: to determine the strengths and needs of a student, to identify the student’s exceptionality according to the categories and definitions provided by the Ministry of Education and to recommend program placement, to be followed by the development/modification of the Individual Education Plan. Parents/guardians will be notified of these meetings at least 10 days in advance.

Programs and Supports

The Special Education Department at Father Henry Carr hosts a number of different programs that are designed to meet the needs of all exceptional students. In order to provide an education in the most enabling environment, Father Henry Carr offers programs that include supports and accommodations for credit earning students through withdrawal support, Learning Strategies classes and Co-operative Education opportunities. We also offer an Intensive Support Program that includes functional literacy and numeracy skills and valuable life skills. 

Intensive Support Program (ISP)

The Intensive Support Program (ISP) is designed to support communities of exceptional (special needs) students who have similar behavioural, communication, intellectual, or physical needs.  Access to this level of support is by the decision of an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC). The committee will first consider if a student’s needs can be met in the regular class with appropriate support.

The Intensive Support Program provides Special Education support for at least 50 percent of the school day. They are taught by a Special Education teacher and the classroom may also include support staff.

It is expected that students in an Intensive Support Program will continue to be included in all aspects of school life. This placement is reviewed annually.

Parent/Guardian Links