Community Connections

How can I, as a parent, get connected to other parents in CPS and participate in my child's education?

Chicago Public Schools offer a variety community-building programs and leadership opportunities for new or existing refugee and non-refugee families. In these programs, parents, guardians, and families can help address educational issues in CPS, meet other parents/guardians/families in CPS, and build connections with fellow community members.

Read below to learn more about the programs. Click the buttons in the boxes to be linked to the Chicago Public Schools' website to get more information on the programs and to find out how you can enroll in the programs.

Bilingual Advisory Committees

(BACs)

BACs are meetings for parents and community members to address issues relating to the education of English Language Learners (ELLs) in TBE or TBI instructional contexts. In meetings, CPS officials provide information about CPS services, programs, and resources to students and families and train parents to effectively participate in the governance of bilingual education.

(Chicago Public Schools 2023)

BACs

Chicago Multilingual Parent Councils (CMPCs)

The purpose of CMPCs is to advise the district on the development, implementation, and evaluation of bilingual education (including TBE, TBI, BAC, and other programs). The members of these councils represent the diversity of the cultures, languages, and needs of the English Learners community.

(Chicago Public Schools 2023)

CMPCs

Parent University

Parent University is a CPS program that provides learning experience to empower families to support their student's academic success and to assist parents/guardians in furthering their own education and developing new skills.

(Chicago Public Schools 2023)

Parent University