Ontario has come far in closing gaps for many learners, yet more work needs to be done for those students who struggle most. Special Education in Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Resource Guide (2017) is designed to aid those committed to helping children in Kindergarten and students from Grades 1 to 12 achieve their full potential in life. This document has benefited from feedback and input from a wide variety of organizations and individuals. The purpose of this document is to support school boards3 and schools in their effective delivery of programs and services for students with special education needs. Special Education in Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12 provides comprehensive and current information about special education legislation, regulation, and policy, and is aligned with current Ministry of Education directions for special education programs and services.

Une publication équivalente est disponible en français sous le titre suivant : Éducation de l’enfance en difficulté en Ontario de la maternelle et du jardin d’enfants à la 12e année : Guide de politiques et de ressources, 2017. Electronic reproduction. At head of cover title: Draft. This document supersedes Special Education: A Guide for Educators (2001). It also supersedes the following policy and resource documents that have been released by the Ministry of Education to support educators in the implementation of effective programs and/or services for students with special education needs: (a) Standards for School Boards’ Special Education Plans (2000); (b) Individual Education Plans: Standards for Development, Program Planning, and Implementation (2000); (c) Transition Planning: A Resource Guide (2002); (d) The Individual Education Plan (IEP): A Resource Guide (2004). Note that while this document supersedes the two standards documents û Standards for School Boards’ Special Education Plans and Individual Education Plans: Standards for Development, Program Planning, and Implementation û the standards described in both documents remain unchanged and are reflected in this guide.