Laws and Policies

Laws and Policies

Manitoba Laws

There are laws and policies that lay out the rights of individuals with a disability in and outside of the educational system. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the Manitoba Acts to get a better understanding of what your child’s rights are, and what the educational system should be providing to your child. Having this knowledge can be an effective resource when advocating for your child.

To review laws that Manitoba schools must adhere to, please visit:

To remain updated on recent changes or proposed acts related to Manitoba school divisions, visit:

Policy Regarding Individual Education Plans (IEP)

“When a school team has identified that a student has exceptional learning needs that require student-specific outcomes that are additions to, are different from, or exceed the curricular outcomes, then an individual education planning process should occur”

(Appropriate Educational Programming in Manitoba: Standards for Student Services. Manitoba Education (2006), p. 15).

Manitoba schools are required to use an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to document student-specific planning for individuals who have exceptional needs. An IEP is developed by the student support team, and it outlines plans and goals unique to each students learning needs. An IEP is special and specific to the student for whom it is created. The format, length and content of the IEP will reflect the needs of the student.

An IEP is:

  • A written document to support student-specific planning
  • Developed and put into action by a student support team
  • Outlines a specific plan for student to achieve goals
  • Developed to address the unique learning needs of a student

The student support team may include:

  • The student
  • Parents and/or caregivers
  • In-school team (teachers, resource teacher, educational assistants, principal, etc.)
  • Health professionals (social worker, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, psychologist, physiotherapist, etc.)
  • Other supports (child support services, consult from an associated organization, etc.)

The student support team is required to meet and review the IEP document at least once a year. However for some students the team may find it beneficial to meet more times throughout the year to monitor goals.

All IEPs must include:

  • Student identification and background information
  • Current levels of performance
  • Student-specific objectives
  • Teaching methods, materials and strategies
  • Names of team support members involved with the student
  • Plan and timeline for evaluation and review
    (Working Together: A Handbook for Parents of Children with Special Needs in School, Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth, 2004).

For more information about IEPs and the planning process, please visit: