Our Special Education Programs and Services

Special Education programs and services are available for students who require specialized programming or assistance to access the curriculum. We develop these programs based on the individual strengths and needs of students. We will continually assess and adjust these programs as the need arises.


In Simcoe Muskoka Catholic DSB, our philosophy of inclusion is central to the delivery of our Special Education programs and services.

The Guiding Principles of our Special Education as Outlined in our Strategic Plan:

  • Each student is a unique gift from God with the right to an education in a caring and sharing Catholic learning environment. Each student is a valued and respected member of the school community

  • Inclusive education responds to the diverse learning styles of each student where every kind of learning is valued

  • An inclusive Catholic school culture nurtures a respectful and collaborative community that plans and problems solves together with students, parents, teachers, staff and those within the extended community

  • Students are capable of learning and achieving to the best of their ability and are able to contribute and benefit from meaningful participation in the life of their school

  • Educating our children is not only a basic human right, it is also the vehicle for social inclusion and social change

The Team Approach

Educators and support staff use a variety of instructional approaches to deliver programs to their students. If a teacher needs support to meet the diverse learning needs of their students, they will work with the school team to help determine the best possible resources and supports. The team often consists of parents, teachers, educational assistants, principal and perhaps other Board resource support staff. This team approach is recognized as a proactive and effective way to determine class resources and provide supports where the need is greatest.  Teachers and parents are able to request a school team meeting if they wish to discuss programming for their child.

Your Role 

Your role as your child's primary care-giver and educator makes your involvement very important. Education truly is a partnership between home and school, where the ultimate goal is providing the best learning experience for your child. 

If you believe that your child requires a special resource, program or support, we urge you to begin the conversation with your child's classroom teacher.  Your child's classroom teacher will be able to discuss your concerns with you and, when necessary, initiate the referral process.

We also urge you to check out additional information regarding our special education programs and services: