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What is ABC?

• Provincially recognized advocate for all bright and gifted children in Ontario

• Volunteer-based self-support network

• Non-profit, registered charity

Established in 1975, the Association for Bright Children of Ontario (ABC) is a volunteer based, provincially incorporated support and advocacy group, with many chapters across Ontario. It is dedicated to providing information and support to parents of bright and gifted children and adolescents through newsletters, networking, an annual conference and local workshops. It offers the parents' voice to local school boards, educators, professional groups and the Ontario Ministry of Education.

ABC Ontario's Mission

The Association for Bright Children works to increase the understanding and acceptance of bright and gifted children/youth at home, at school and in the community; and encourages parents, educators and the community to nurture these children/youth to grow and reach their full potential, that they may become responsible, contributing members of society.

Support ABC Ontario

Visit our "Get Involved" page and the links below to learn more about supporting the mission of ABC Ontario. ABC Ontario offers free membership and depends entirely on grants and donations to fund our activities. Please consider making a donation today.

What is ABC? | What Does ABC Do? | Beliefs & Objectives | Information Flyers

• Supports bright and gifted children and youth, their families, educators and communities

• Connects you to resources regarding the social, emotional and intellectual development of high potential learners

• Provides a self-support network through internet-based communities, provincial and regional activities

Assists in establishing new chapters

Keeps local chapters in touch with each other

• Offers guidance to parents and educators as they advocate for educational excellence

Represents ABC members in discussion with the Ministry of Eduction

Monitors the implementation of legislation which could affect bright children

Provides liaison with other associations and organizations

• Works cooperatively with all stakeholders including:

  • Parents, guardians, families and students
  • Ontario Ministry of Education
  • Educators and professional groups
  • Local school boards
  • Other parent and community associations

• Provide families with bright children the opportunity to offer one another support and advice

• Encourage parents, teachers and other adults to share their experiences and concerns and to pool their resources

• Arrange for speakers
• Distribute provincial and chapter news bulletins
• Stay up to date on local school board issues
• Plan family activities

• Every child is unique with individual special needs and that each child has the right to be accepted at home, at school and in the community

• Every child has the right to a holistic education program that builds on abilities and helps the child reach his/her potential

• The learning environment should stimulate each child to develop knowledge, skills and values

• Educational decisions must be made in the best interest of the individual child

• Educational decisions should be reached co-operatively and collaboratively, recognizing the roles of each partner - pupil, parent, professional

• Children who are bright or gifted must be recognized for their strengths and have these abilities nurtured

• Children who are gifted require special education programs and that these programs must provide a learning environment that will maximize their exceptionality

• Children who are gifted require opportunities to interact with both intellectual and chronological peers

ABC Ontario policies concerning Special Education can be found in the official document "Parents as Partners" which can be found at this link as a PDF file.

The Objectives of ABC are to:

• Be a resource to bright and gifted children, their families, educators and the community

• Provide information, programs and materials pertaining to the social, emotional and intellectual development of bright and gifted children

• Provide support and guidance to parents and educators as they advocate for their bright and gifted children

• Act as a network for parents and educators by providing opportunities for the sharing of information and common concerns

• Advocate for appropriate educational programs and services for bright and gifted children

• Work cooperatively with all levels of government, the Ministry of Education, educators and other professional groups, local school boards, and other parent associations

ABC Flyers and Brochures

ABC Colour Flyer for Email / Web - English

ABC Folding Brochure for Printing - English

ABC affiche en couleur pour email / web - francais

ABC brochure pliant pour l'impression - francais

ABC Colour Flyer for Email / Web - Mandarin  

ABC Folding Brochure for Printing - Mandarin