Special Programs

Some Yukon students need special support to participate fully in school.

They may have needs in the areas of speech and language, hearing, movement, or vision; they may require support in their academic, emotional, social or intellectual development.

Where to Begin to Get Help

If parents have concerns about a child's success at school, they need to speak with the child's teacher.

The teacher, working with the parents, begins the planning of the education for a student with special needs. The teacher assesses the child by comparing his or her performance with what is expected for their age or grade.

The teacher has ongoing discussions with the child's parents. They help to identify their child's special needs and to develop ways to assist their child at school.

As much as possible, students will have their special needs met in class, alongside their peers.

The School Based Team

If parents or teachers continue to have concerns, the student may be referred to the School Based Team.

The team includes the student's teachers, a school administrator, a learning assistance teacher and a school counsellor. It may also include the parents, the student (where appropriate), consultants from the Department of Education and representatives from other community services.

Based on observations and perhaps additional assessments of the child, the team may recommend classroom strategies that will help the teacher meet the needs of the student.

The Special Programs Division

Sometimes the needs of students call for services beyond those that the school provides.

Consultants from the Special Programs Division provide many services to students with special needs: school psychology; speech and language pathology; physical and occupational therapy; and assistance for the hearing or visually impaired.

Parents must provide their informed consent before any formal consultations or assessments are done by Special Programs.

Individualized Education Plans (IEP)

In some cases, a student will need an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

An IEP describes educational measures that are being taken to meet the needs of the student. Some students need minor adaptations and minimum support. Others have more complex needs. They may require detailed planning that covers educational programming, social skills, technology and health care.

The IEP needs the written, informed consent of the parents before it can proceed.

It outlines:

• the strengths and needs of the student;
• long-term and short-term goals;
• recommendations for addressing the student's learning needs; and
• those responsible for implementing the plan.

A team -- including the student (where appropriate), the parents, the teachers and other relevant school and Department of Education staff -- develops the IEP. It is reviewed and revised regularly to reflect the changing needs of the student.

Throughout the process, parents play a vital role by working in partnership with educators.

For more information:

Special Programs Division
Department of Education
Phone: (867) 667-8000
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0408
shirley.loo@gov.yk.ca

Special Programs
Department of Education
Government of Yukon
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: (867) 667-8000
Toll free (In Yukon):
1-800-661-0408, local 8000
Fax: (867) 393-6423

shirley.loo@gov.yk.ca