Families and Schools Together

Purpose of the Program
To strengthen family and community relations,
and to empower parents to support their children
at school, at home and in the community.
About the Program
Families & Schools Together is an innovative and collaborative prevention and parent involvement program in which whole families gather at a school and participate in specific, fun, research-based activities aimed at strengthening families and empowering parents. The program combines and applies several concepts that have been evaluated, statistically tested and found to be effective in promoting child resilience, and preventing school failure, behavioural problems and substance abuse. Families & Schools Together focuses on preschool and elementary school age children and their families.

How does the Program Work?
Schools, parents and community agencies join together to invite families to participate in eight weekly, team-led sessions designed to enhance success in future social integration and participation, academic achievement and healthy life-style decisions. This whole family, multi-family positive approach supports parents to become primary empowerment agents for their child and full partners with the school. This eight-week series is followed by a two year, monthly parent-led follow-up program called FASTWORKS.

The Families & Schools Together program is funded by the United Way of York Region and a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.