Community Resource Guide
Navigating the Chilliwack Public School System (SD33) and Beyond
This guide is designed to empower parents and caregivers with the legal, educational, and essential resources needed to advocate for their children effectively.
School System Advocacy & Peer Support
If you are facing challenges with your child’s education, Individual Education Plan (IEP), or classroom placement, these organizations provide guidance and representation.
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Focus: Local representation for SD33 parents. They offer advocacy training and support for school-level meetings.
Link: chilliwackdpac.ca
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Focus: Provincial advocacy for students with disabilities and complex learners. Excellent resources on the "Duty to Accommodate."
Link: bcedaccess.com
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Focus: Peer-to-peer support. Connects you with "Resource Parents" who have navigated the same systems.
Link: familysupportbc.com
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Focus: Advocacy for full inclusion in the classroom for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Link: inclusionbc.org
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Focus: Info and links to support parents in knowing their rights and advocating for their children within the education system.
Link: https://familysupportbc.com/toolkit-categories/education/
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Focus: A step-by-step manual for parents on how to resolve issues within the school system constructively.
Link: https://bccpac.bc.ca/index.php/resources/21-advocacy/1219-advocacy
Legal Rights, Policies & Appeals
If you are facing challenges with your child’s education, Individual Education Plan (IEP), or classroom placement, these organizations provide guidance and representation.
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The provincial law governing your right to be informed and your right to appeal school board decisions.
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Local rules for the Chilliwack School District, including the formal complaint process and student safety protocols.
Link: SD33 Policies Website
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Independent, impartial official who investigates complaints from the public regarding unfair, unreasonable, or improper treatment by government, public agencies, and organizations
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If you have concerns that a teacher has breached the professional standards for educators, you can submit a complaint to the Commissioner for Teacher Regulation if the school district complaint process has not bee satisfactory.
Mental Health & Wellness
Support for the emotional and psychological well-being of students and their families.
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The primary provincial provider for clinical support, therapy, and intake.
Contact: 604-702-2311 | 8978 School St, Chilliwack.
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Rapid response for children/youth (ages 6–18) in acute mental health crisis.
Contact: 1-844-782-7811
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Provides Parent Peer Support Workers specifically for families whose children have mental health challenges.
Link: familysmart.ca
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Free drop-in medical and mental health services for ages 12–26. No referral needed.
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Directory of Child and Youth Services.
Link: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Services/child-and-youth-services
Development & Disability
Access specialized intervention, respite care, and therapeutic services designed to support children with diverse needs and their families.
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Helps parents find licensed childcare and navigate the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
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Early intervention, therapy (PT/OT/Speech), and support for children up to 18.
Link: https://www.fvcdc.org/
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Respite care, Kidz Club (6-12), Teen Club (13-18), and autism support services.
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Focus: A useful guide to British Columbia’s education system for parents, caregivers and community partners.
Link: https://inclusionbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Parents-Handbook-On-Inclusive-Education-2024.pdf
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Focus: Parent peer support group and educators on the human right to equitable access to education.
Link: https://bcedaccess.com/
Food Security & Essential Needs
No child can learn while hungry. These programs provide direct nutritional support to students in Chilliwack.
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Provides hot soup and lunch programs directly within local schools.
How to Access: Most schools in Chilliwack have BOH lunch available to all students, barrier free. Those that don’t will still have a lunch program to ensure all students have a nutritious lunch. Speak with your school’s Principal or Youth Care Worker if you have any questions.
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Provides backpacks of food for the weekend for students in need.
How to Access: Contact your school’s office or Youth Care Worker.
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Monthly food hampers and community pantry access.
Contact: 604-792-0001 | chilliwacksa.ca
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Early Years, Family Services, Senior Services, Immigrant Services, Youth Services, Therapy Services, and Food services.
Tools & Templates
Downloadable Templates and Checklists