What Are My Rights as a Parent in Advocating for My Child’s Education?

May 20

By Julie Diamond, OCT

*This article will take 2-3 minutes to read. For more information about navigating the special education system in Ontario, check out the article A Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Ontario.

As the school year winds down, it's that time of year again—Individual Education Plan (IEP) reviews and Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) meetings are taking place in schools across Ontario. These meetings are crucial in setting up the right support for students in the coming academic year.

As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important advocate. Whether your child is struggling academically, needs additional support, or requires accommodations, understanding your rights in the Ontario education system is crucial. Schools and educators are there to support students, but parental involvement plays a vital role in ensuring a child’s success. In this blog, we’ll explore your rights as a parent and offer actionable tips on advocating effectively for your child’s education. Plus, we’ll offer tips to keep your child supported through the summer and fully prepared for a confident return in September.

Understanding Your Parental Rights in Ontario Education

The Ontario education system recognizes the importance of parental involvement.

As a parent, you have several key rights when it comes to your child’s education, including:

1. The Right to Be Informed

You have the right to receive clear and timely information about your child's progress, school policies, and any issues affecting their education. This includes report cards, parent-teacher meetings, and access to their student records.

💡 Tip: Stay proactive by attending all school meetings, subscribing to school newsletters, and maintaining open communication with your child’s teachers. If you feel uncertain about your child’s progress, request a meeting with their teacher or school administrators.

2. The Right to Ask for Support and Accommodations

If your child has special needs, learning disabilities, or requires additional support, you have the right to request accommodations under provincial education laws. This often leads to an IEP, which outlines specific accommodations and strategies.

💡 Tip: If you suspect your child has a learning difficulty, request an assessment as early as possible. Many parents are unaware that they can advocate for psycho-educational assessments through their school board. Though keep in mind that most school boards in Ontario have a waitlist for a psycho-educational assessment so, depending on your child’s learning needs, it may be worth looking into getting the assessment done privately. Check out Wonderwise Psychology who are listed on our webpage as a mission-aligned organization who offers psycho-educational assessments.

🔗 For engaging learning activities tailored to different needs, see our blog: What Are Some Activities to Keep My Child Learning and Engaged This Spring?

3. The Right to Communication with Teachers and School Staff

Effective communication with teachers is key to advocating for your child. You have the right to schedule meetings, ask questions, and request updates about your child's progress.

💡 Tip: Keep a record of conversations and emails—it can be helpful in future meetings.

🔗 For advice on how to build strong communication with your child’s teacher, check out our guide.

4. The Right to Appeal Decisions

If you disagree with a school’s decision regarding your child's education, such as a disciplinary action, placement in a program, or special education services, you have the right to appeal.

💡 Tip: Start by reviewing your school board’s special education appeal process and document your concerns thoroughly.

🔗 Learn about your rights to appeal via Ontario’s Education Tribunals.

5. The Right to a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment

Every child has the right to attend school in a setting that is safe, inclusive, and equitable. Bullying and discrimination should never be tolerated.

💡 Tip: If your child expresses concerns, take them seriously—report issues to school staff and review your school’s anti-bullying policy.

🔗 How Do You Help Your Child Who Doesn’t Like School?

6. The Right to Be Involved in School Decisions

Parents can participate in school councils, volunteer in classrooms, and contribute to policy discussions affecting students. Your voice matters in shaping the educational experience for all children.

💡 Tip: Connecting with other parents can strengthen your advocacy and create community support.

Don’t Let Learning Slip Over the Summer

Even with the best IEP in place, students can lose valuable skills over the summer without consistent practice. This is especially true for students with learning gaps or unique learning needs. You can take proactive steps to help your child stay on track—and even get ahead—by enrolling in a targeted summer tutoring program.

At Diamond Teachers Group, our Shine Bright Summer Tutoring and Summer Bridge Programs are personalized to each learner, designed to:

Reinforce IEP goals
Address missed concepts from the current year
Preview next year’s curriculum
Build confidence and a growth mindset

✨ Plus, families enrolled in summer programs are automatically entered into our Summer Prize Draw to win one month of free tutoring during the school year!

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IEP and IPRC meetings are a powerful opportunity to advocate for what your child truly needs. When paired with the right summer supports, it can set the stage for a strong, confident start in September.

By understanding your rights, staying engaged, and planning ahead with resources like personalized tutoring, you’re setting your child up for long-term success.

If you need guidance on supporting your child’s learning journey, reach out to Diamond Teachers Group for expert advice and educational resources!

Julie Diamond