MEMO TO: Pre-School/Community Agencies

Curriculum, Instruction & Special Education Support Services

November 1, 2016

RE: Students with Special Needs - Kindergarten School Entry September 2017

It is time again to gather information regarding children with special needs who are planning to to begin Kindergarten in the public school system in September 2017. Children born in 2012 and and 2013 will be eligible to attend Kindergarten in September 2017. The Peel District School Board appreciates your co- operation in this important process and we thank you for your assistance again this year.

Children who have a documented developmental delay, ASD/PDD, physical disability, low vision or who are hard of hearing may require specialized support or program modifications in the school setting. If this information is available to our school board early in 2017, we can plan for a smooth transition into school for the fall. Your assistance in distributing the enclosed Information package to parents is appreciated.

Parents are asked to register their child at the home school and provide the completed Planning for Entry form to Schools by March 3, 2017 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The School will forward this form to the Special Programs Department. Once the Special Programs Department receives the form a consultant will contact parents and may schedule visits to the pre-schools and/or home. Following the visits, parents will be invited to attend a meeting at the school to discuss their child's needs and abilities, school placement and any specialized services their child may require. Parents are encouraged to bring their child to the meeting. They may also wish to invite someone who knows the child and the family (eg. pre-school teacher, child care worker, friend, relative).

The Peel District School Board will be hosting an Information Night, for parents on Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the H. J. A Brown Education Centre. Staff from Community Care Access Centres of Peel will also participate. Please distribute the flyers to the appropriate families. Information is also available on our web site: www.peelschools.org/parents/register/kindergarten/Pages/default.aspx

If you have any questions, please contact Anna DeAndrade at 905-890-1010 ext. 2315, Emilia Fernandes 905-890-1010 ext. 2198 or TBA at 905-890-1010 ext. 2341.

Thank you again for your help.

Ana Lia Pauchulo Therese Fitzpatrick Co-ordinating Principal Co-ordinating Principal Special Programs Autism Spectrum Disorders