A Parent Education and Support Program must include and demonstrate compliance with all of the following:

  • Offer social support, information and referrals to assist parents/caregivers.
  • Deliver in an individual or group setting.
  • Provide the required data for the Evaluation Team state-level program evaluation.
  • Include the “Protective Factors” in all programming.
  • Provide education on Shaken Baby (Abusive Head Trauma) Prevention and Safe Sleeping environments.

Types of Parent Education and Support Programs include, but are not limited to:

  • Programs for pregnant or parenting teen mothers (may be implemented in classroom setting, hospital, etc.)
  • Programs for adult and teen fathers and adolescent males
  • Programs for new parents (provides set curriculum on child development, parenting skills, and support systems); this type of program should provide follow-up contacts
  • Educational and support programs for parents of special needs children
  • Parenting program around specific need issues (parenting a teenager, parents going through divorce, etc.)
  • Parenting programs that address at-risk youth ages 8 – 17 (Children First Programs)
  • Programs that require a parent to attend parenting or coping skills classes run in conjunction with programs provided to their children brought before the court (Children First Programs)
  • Programs that provide early, comprehensive support for parents
  • Programs that increase family stability and promote the early development of parenting skills, especially in young parents and parents with very young children
  • Programs that improve family access to other formal and informal resources and opportunities for community assistance
  • Programs that support the additional needs of families with children with disabilities through respite care and other services
  • Programs that offer short-term assistance in times of stress (e.g. resource libraries, support groups)
  • Programs that promote the five protective factors: parental resilience, knowledge of parenting and child development, social and emotional competence of children, social connections, and concrete support in times of need
African American sibling lying on floor and watching television while parents using laptop on sofa in a comfortable home
Asian dad taking selfie with his beautiful daughter.
Group of cute asian and caucasian kids having fun in the park
Happy family, parents and child in park for portrait or bonding together with funny joke, love or smile.