2.1 The Board's General Model for Special Education

2.1.1 Preamble

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 306, each school board and school authority is required to maintain its special education plan, to review it annually, to amend it from time to time to meet current needs of its exceptional pupils, and to submit any amendment(s) to the Minister for review, on or before the 31st day of July in each year. This report provides an overview of current programs and services available within the Lambton Kent District School Board.

A Plan for the Provision of Special Education Programs and Services, 2003 reflects the work being done by the Program Review Committees, changes that have resulted from the reviews and new legislation, existing programs and services for exceptional students throughout the district and future directions.

This plan has been designed in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Education Act and regulations made under the act, and any other relevant legislation. It is available in each school within the District and at the Education Centres in Sarnia and Chatham.

An appropriate guide for parents has been developed to provide information regarding identification, placement and review procedures. This guide is available in each school in the District and is available in Braille, large print or audio-tape upon request. Refer to Section 2.4, Appendix 2.4.3 to see a copy of Understanding the IPRC Process - A Parent Guide. 2.1.2 Mission Statement

The Lambton Kent District School Board is dedicated to:

* providing quality educational opportunities

* providing access for all students

* providing a safe, dynamic environment

* ensuring fiscal responsibility

* ensuring high professional standards.

We encourage all students to reach their individual potential.2.1.3 Philosophy of Special Education

The Lambton Kent District School Board is committed to providing educational opportunities that will assist every child in personal and intellectual development. To that end, the Board believes in and actively supports inclusionary programs that will meet student needs in the most enabling environment. For most students this will mean the provision of a range of strategies, programs, and resources in the regular classroom in the home school setting. Exceptional students do, however, vary by type and degree of exceptionality; therefore, a constantly evolving continuum of programs and services is necessary to meet student needs. In order to ensure that the needs of exceptional pupils are met, the Lambton Kent District School Board will provide a planned approach for providing differentiated programs and services which respond sensitively to each pupil’s individual level of development.