Navigating Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) in Alberta Schools: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Written by - Tanya Leukfeld

Did you know that in Alberta, approximately 20,500 students—about 3 in every 100—are diagnosed with learning disabilities? That's a significant number of children who may need extra support to succeed academically.  As a parent navigating your child’s Individualized Program Plan (IPP), understanding this process is crucial to ensuring they receive the personalized education they deserve. In this blog, we'll guide you through the key steps and offer helpful tips to make the most of your child’s IPP, so you can support their unique learning journey with confidence.

When a child in Alberta is identified as having special education needs, the
development of an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) becomes a vital step in ensuring
they receive the right support at school. An IPP is more than a document—it's a
collaborative and personalized plan tailored to a student's learning needs, created to
support their growth, development, and success.

An IPP outlines targeted strategies, realistic goals, and necessary accommodations
designed specifically for each student. It serves as both a roadmap for educators and a
source of clarity for families. For many parents, however, navigating this process can
feel overwhelming, especially when they are unfamiliar with educational terminology or
unsure of their role in the planning process.

Understanding the IPP Process

The IPP process begins with identifying a student's strengths and needs, which includes
gathering information from teachers, assessments, and parents. From there, specific
long- and short-term goals are set, which are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable,
relevant, and time-bound. These goals help direct instruction and ensure meaningful
progress. The plan also outlines instructional methods, tools, and accommodations to
support the student. Importantly, the IPP is not static—it must be reviewed and updated
regularly to reflect the student’s development and evolving needs. When changes like
moving schools or transitioning grades occur, the IPP also helps with planning and
preparation.

The Role of an Educational Strategist

Understanding an IPP is essential for parents who want to advocate effectively for their
child. At Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, our Education Strategist supports families by
demystifying the IPP process and offering hands-on, practical guidance. Working
closely with both parents and schools, the Strategist ensures that each plan is
implemented with the student’s best interests in mind and that everyone involved is
aligned on shared goals. From reviewing assessment reports and attending school
meetings to helping families clearly communicate their child’s needs, our Strategist
plays a key role in fostering collaboration, clarity, and confidence.

We also understand that receiving news your child needs an IPP can be emotional.
Some parents feel relief in having answers, while others feel confused or overwhelmed
by what this means for their child’s future. It is common to feel unsure of where to start, especially if the language in the plan or reports is unfamiliar. Many parents don’t know
they can (and should) play a key role in shaping the IPP, helping to ensure consistency
between home and school, and tracking progress.

Holistic Support at Shelly Qualtieri & Associates

This is where our team steps in to provide guidance, advocacy, and reassurance. At
Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, we not only have experienced Education Strategists, but
also Registered Psychologist who can conduct Psycho-Educational and Social-
Emotional Assessments. These Assessments provide important insights into how a
child learns, thinks, and manages emotional or behavioural challenges. They can be an
essential component in diagnosing learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, or other
concerns. More importantly, they help shape a clearer picture of what supports a child
may require.

Once the Assessment is complete, our Education Strategist helps interpret the results
and uses them to inform the IPP process. We work hand-in-hand with families to build
strong advocacy skills, support communication with school teams, and ensure
appropriate accommodations are in place. The combination of psychological insight and
strategic educational planning provides families with a holistic level of support that is
often hard to find.

We know that it can be incredibly hard for families to struggle in silence—watching their
child fall behind, feel misunderstood, or lose confidence without realizing an IPP might
be the key to unlocking support. But the good news is that once a family knows, they
can begin to advocate. And once they advocate, the path forward often becomes
clearer. With the right support, your child can begin to see their own strengths, believe
in their abilities, and begin to build a sense of confidence that can change the trajectory
of their learning journey.

To connect with our Educational Strategist, please visit this link to book an appointment.