Helping More Parents Get Involved In Education

 
 

May 6, 2010 4:30 PM

McGuinty Government's Parents Reaching Out Grants Now Available

Ontario is helping more parents play a vital role in public education and get involved in their children's education through its Parent Reaching Out (PRO) grants.

Applications for the 2010-11 school year are now available and will be accepted until June 11. This earlier application period compared to previous years means more projects can start at the beginning of the school year.

Last year, the government funded over 1,600 projects that:

  • Identified barriers to parent involvement and found local solutions to help more parents get involved
  • Translated materials to help make information more accessible to parents when English is not their first language.
  • Increased parent engagement in isolated communities.
  • Used workshops to show parents why engagement is important and how they could become more involved in their children's education and school.

As part of the government's Poverty Reduction Strategy, a portion of this grant is also focused on reducing barriers faced by parents in low socio-economic areas such as language, childcare and transportation. 

QUICK FACTS

 
  • Research shows that children do better in school when their parents play an active role in their education.
  • Since 2006, the government has awarded over 5,500 grants to school councils and over 200 regional grants - a total investment of over $10 million to help increase parent involvement.

CONTACTS

  • Frank Clarke
    Minister's Office
    416-212-5911
    frank.clarke@nullontario.ca
  • Gary Wheeler
    Communications Branch
    416-325-2454
    gary.s.wheeler@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Education
ontario.ca/education


 

"Children thrive in a system where parents are engaged in their education. Students do better in school and become more successful adults."

 – Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Education

"The best thing that has come out of the PRO Grant program is that parents are really feeling more connected to their schools. There are many parents who are enthusiastic about helping their children succeed at school, and with this grant program, more parents will be able to get involved in their children's education."

 – Joanne MacEwan
Parent Involvement Committee Chair, Ottawa Catholic District School Board

 
 
 
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