You're not Alone!
No parent should have to face the education system alone.
Our Systems Navigation pilot project is designed to stand beside you as you ‘navigate’ the system.
When Black families contact Parents of Black Children about issues related to their child’s education, our Systems Navigator will provide support as they interact with their child’s school/board.
The Systems Navigator may attend meetings, provide advice, and make connections with school boards or community groups.
The Systems Navigator will help eliminate barriers and act as a neutral third party that can express the unique needs and challenges faced by African Canadian families engaged with the education system.
We stand beside you no matter what issue you are having.
We're Here to Help
Our Systems Navigator can support you with any issue, including:
Questions about Independent Education Plans (IEPs) or special education for your child
Challenging suspensions or disciplinary measures
Managing schools who are constantly calling/complaining about your child
Incidents of anti-Black racism and bullying
Challenging unfair grades and assessments ns about Independent Education Plans (IEPs) or special education for your child
Filing a Human Rights Complaint
Supported by:
Student and Family Advocates are System Navigators by another name.
Student and Family Advocates are System Navigators by another name. There are 17 Student and Family Advocates across the province to support you. Learn more about the Student and Family Advocate Program.
Supported by:
Hear from Others...
"Everyone was held accountable."
“The navigations advocated on my daughter’s behalf and provided the school and YMCA program with thought provoking questions to consider. They were able to identify and name experiences of racism and discrimination practices. They offered suggestions in terms of conversations that should be taking place with all staff members, students and families. Everyone was held accountable. If I did not have access to a system navigator my daughter would have continued to be exposed to racist and discriminatory practices.”
"A valuable experience was for me and my daughter."
“I’m already sharing how valuable this experience was for me and my daughter. Every school in Ontario should know and have access to their Education System Navigation Service. I would love for parent council representatives to share the contact information with Black families at every school.”
"I felt supported and [I] felt comfortable."
“I appreciated the quick response that I received when contacting this organization. I also felt supported and felt comfortable when approaching this issue with the Education System Navigation and it was amazing and I received over and above what I had anticipated. Thank you for your support and continue to this awesome service Black parents and the Black Community need this. I would highly recommend this service.”
"The system allows the parents to advocate the changes they need to see."
“This service should continue because it works and many of the times when parents attempt to address issues within the educational system with school boards it never works in the favour or in the best interest of the child. The system allows the parents to advocate the changes they need to see.”
Education is a HUMAN RIGHT!
The system is NOT neutral! For decades, Black advocates and families have fought for a more inclusive and equitable education system for Black children. The system of education was founded on colonial principles that did not include Black people; in fact, the education system was created to educate Black families towards an understanding of their own inferiority. We see this in curricula that do not reflect the lived experiences or wealth of contributions of Black Canadians, nor does it adequately represent the diversity of the Black experience in Canada. We also see this in the lack of Black educators across school systems.
This handbook serves as a means to demystify the pitfalls within the education system, and light a path towards a decolonized education system. This document is designed for all parents of Black children. It is a navigation tool that you can keep and use to support your children’s education.
Topics Covered in this Guide:
School Board Terms You Need to Know
The Four Affiliated Teachers Unions
Key Players: Education Organizations to Know
What does anti-Black racism look like in daycare?
Tips to help your child with literacy
What is the process for escalating concerns?
School Readiness and Early Literacy
What you need to know about Black families and the schools
High School Certificate vs. Diploma
Important information about how your child learns
Black Students and IEPs, Notes and School Records
Can the school speak to my child without my permission?
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