Conference session

Session Title:Rooted in Care: Building Inclusive and Emotionally Resilient School Communities Through Caregiver-Informed Practice This session centers on a key question: *How can schools meaningfully integrate caregiver voices and experiences to build more inclusive, emotionally responsive, and resilient learning environments?* Drawing from caregiver-informed and trauma-informed approaches, this session explores the critical role that families particularly those from racialized and marginalized communities play in shaping student well-being, engagement, and success. It highlights how systemic barriers, cultural disconnects, and unmet mental health needs often impact both caregivers and students, and how schools can respond with intentional, inclusive practices. This session will benefit educators, school administrators, social workers, child and youth workers, and community partners seeking to strengthen family-school relationships and create supportive learning environments. It is especially relevant for those working with neurodiverse students and families navigating complex educational and care systems. Participants will leave with practical strategies for engaging caregivers as partners in care, not just participants in education. Key takeaways include frameworks for caregiver-informed practice, tools for building culturally responsive and trauma-aware school systems, and approaches to fostering emotional resilience among students and families. Through real-world examples and community-based insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to bridge gaps between schools and families, reduce stigma, and co-create spaces of belonging, trust, and holistic support. Ultimately, this session emphasizes that when caregivers are centered, entire school communities thrive.