Parent Involvement Advisory Committee
Supporting Parents as Partners in Education
Parent Involvement Advisory Committee
Supporting Parents as Partners in Education
PIAC is a provincially mandated Statutory Advisory Committee of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
We represent parents of the TDSB to the Director of Education, the Board of Trustees and the Ministry of Education.
We aid access to information and resources for parents, to support more effective engagement in their child’s learning and to enhance the accountability of the education system.
What Does PIAC Do?
PIAC is here to Support and Represent You.
PIAC is committed to strengthening the partnership of students, parents, teachers, principals, staff, trustees, school boards, government, and the community and is committed to assisting parents and School Councils.
Encourages Parent Engagement
PIAC supports parent/caregiver engagement at the TDSB, including supporting School Council operations, and information sharing
Advocates for Parents & Caregivers
PIAC advocates on behalf of parents/caregivers to the school board and the Ministry of Education by providing advice in the form of recommendations.
About PIAC
Our Purpose
Education is a partnership involving students, parents, teachers, principals, staff, trustees, school boards, government, and the community. The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) is committed to strengthening this partnership and is committed to assisting parents, caregivers and School Councils.
Our Vision
Supporting parents as partners in education.
Our Mission
To aid access to information and resources for parents, especially that of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Ontario Ministry of Education, in support of more effective parent engagement in their child’s learning to improve student achievement and well-being, and enhance the accountability of the education system.
PIAC is a provincially mandated Statutory Advisory Committee of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
We represent parents of the TDSB to the Director of Education, the Board of Trustees and the Ministry of Education.
We aid access to information and resources for parents, to support more effective engagement in their child’s learning and to enhance the accountability of the education system.
PIAC has two primary functions:
1) To support parent engagement at the TDSB, including supporting School Council operations, and information sharing, and
2) To advocate on behalf of parents/caregivers to the school board and the Ministry of Education by providing advice/recommendations.
PIAC is a provincially mandated Statutory Advisory Committee of the TDSB. Here is what we do:
Advise and consult with the Board on parent engagement initiatives
- Support School Councils with information about the education system
- Host events to help parents support their child’s learning at home and at school:
Annual Parents' Conference, School Council Information & Appreciation
Contribute to the TDSB Parents & Caregivers as Partners Conference and the Conversation Series
PIAC is comprised of members elected from the TDSB parent/caregiver community in accordance with our bylaws.
General meetings are held monthly during the school year and are broadcast to the public on the TDSB livestream on YouTube. PIAC Working Group meetings are held once per month on average. PIAC meetings are listed on our calendar.
Some PIAC Working Groups are open to parents/caregivers of TDSB students who are not currently elected to PIAC.
PIAC is governed by a series of bylaws (rules) based on guidelines set out in the Ontario Education Act R.S.O 1990, Regulation 612/00
Parent and Caregiver Engagement
What is Parent Engagement?
Parent Engagement is a Relationship between Home and School that Supports and Improves Student Outcomes.
Why Parent & Caregiver Engagement is Important
Studies show that student achievement and well-being improve when parents and caregivers play an active role in their children’s education, and that good schools become even better schools when they are involved.
Students are more likely to be motivated, earn higher grades, have better behaviour and social skills, and continue their education to a higher level when their parents and caregivers are actively engaged in supporting their success at school.
Parents contribute to their children’s learning at many levels:
- At home, parents create the conditions to support student learning (e.g. read to their children, talk about school and help with homework).
- At school, parents participate in parent-teacher dialogues, volunteer in the school and on school committees, and participate in School Councils.
- At the board, parents provide advice on parent engagement and communicating with parents as members of the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) such as PIAC. They can also provide input to Board policy consultations.
How to Bring Parent and Caregiver Knowledge to the Education System
- Join your School Council
- Join a School Committee. Parent/caregiver members are required on school committees including Caring & Safe Schools, Staffing, and the School Improvement Plan. Parents/caregivers are also encouraged by the Board to join the school’s Budget committee
- Attend Ward council meetings. Ward meetings provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers in the ward to meet with their local school trustee to discuss issues of common concern and to learn about TDSB programs and initiatives
- Participate in the Consultation process. Provide feedback on education changes or initiatives to the TDSB or Ministry of Education via surveys, public forums, and committees
- Participate in the TDSB Vice-Principal selection process. A parent sits on the interview team for each candidate. Any parent/guardian interested can contact pceo@tdsb.on.ca
- Join (or attend the meeting of) a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) or Community Liaison Group (CLG).
- Including PIAC, the TDSB has 12 Community Advisory Committees that advise the Board on its policies and programs, in addition to providing an advocacy role for caregivers and the community.
- Community Liaison Groups facilitate an ongoing working relationship between the TDSB and system-wide community groups.
The TDSB Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office (PCCEO)
The Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) leads family engagement in many ways. The PCCEO:
- Supports the Board’s many Community Liaison Groups (CLGs), Community Support Workers (CSWs), and Community Advisory Committees (CACs), including PIAC
- Delivers Professional Development on Parent Engagement to Board staff
- Reviews and assesses policies & procedures around parents, parent engagement, and School Councils
- Supports School Councils with information, elections, disputes and technology
- Coordinates services between Settlement Education Partnership Toronto (SEPT) and TDSB schools
Contact: PCEO@tdsb.on.ca
How can I join PIAC?
Reach out to us by completing this form and we will get back to you with the next steps!