Parent and Caregiver Leadership in By Your Side
School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) highly values the role and perspectives of parents and caregivers when it comes to supporting student mental health. As such, By Your Side was parent and caregiver informed every step of the way. The resources support additional learning but are grounded on the premise that parents and caregivers know their child best and already have many effective tools and strategies to support their child with their mental health.
Information gathered through parent and caregiver surveys, focus groups and Indigenous conversation circles informed the development of resources. Consultations with provincial parent organizations – Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education, Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations, and Parents Partenaires en Education – have provided valuable insights.
The project has been supported by two parent peer consultants, one English and one French speaking, whose input has been instrumental in establishing project directions and decisions.
The SMH-ON Parent and Caregiver Collaboration Group (PCCG) has, and will continue to, play a critical role in the design, development and review of resources included in By Your Side.
The PCCG is a 12-member reference group that includes parent and caregiver participants from across regions of Ontario and brings a wealth of experiences and perspectives.
The PCCG has supported all stages of the By Your Side development.
Contributions include:
- sharing input on information and support needs of parents and caregivers when it comes to supporting mental health at home and school
- co-designing resources
- co-designing the learning hub to ensure it is accessible and easy to navigate for parents and caregivers
- supporting implementation and communication of By Your Side
- starring in videos that feature parent/caregiver expertise
Thank you to all the parents and caregivers involved in shaping By Your Side!
Explore By Your Side!
If you haven’t already, we invite you to explore By Your Side today. Visit the hub, download the tools and participate in upcoming webinars to support your child’s mental health and well-being.
Together, we can build stronger, healthier families and communities across Ontario.
Visit By Your Side Today: smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/