SRAE Component 3: Parenting/Caregiver Education

SRAE projects provide parenting education to the parents and caregivers of young program participants, as well as parents of other young adolescents in the priority community. The purpose of this component is to enhance and strengthen the communication and supervision skills of parents, guardians, and other adult caregivers. SRAE projects provide information and education to parents and other caregivers at community-based settings such as schools and workplaces. Workshops can be conducted with caregivers alone or with caregivers and children together. The range of topics to be addressed might include:

• Understanding pre-adolescent and adolescent development, including the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes of adolescence;
   
• Nurturing children's development of values and healthy attitudes about growth and development, body image and self-esteem, respect and appreciation for human diversity, and other related subjects;
   
• Adapting to and communicating effectively with maturing children, discussing risk-taking behaviors with pre-adolescents and adolescents, identifying and addressing warning signs of risky or dangerous behavior, and keeping adolescents safe;
   
• Understanding the importance of non-parental adults in adolescents' lives;
   
• Raising adolescents in a changing and diverse culture;
   
• Modeling and nurturing healthy peer, family, and romantic relationships, and positively addressing dynamics such as gender roles, peer pressure, bullying, and power balances in relationships;
   
• Educational and career success, such as maximizing school success, exploring career alternatives and goals, and developing skills for employment;
   
• Supporting the development of good study habits, school attachment and achievement, and educational and career aspirations;
   
• Nurturing the development of healthy life skills such as health behaviors, goal setting, decision making, negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills, use of available resources, and stress management.

Each SRAE project can call on an ACT for Youth TA/Evaluation Support Team (PDF) for assistance.

Parenting Education Resources

Parenting Educator Competencies

This document describes the knowledge, practice skills, and attitudes that are foundational to effective practice for parenting educators. National Parenting Education Network.

Resource Document

New York State Parenting Education Partnership

The New York State Parenting Education Partnership (NYSPEP) is a professional organization for individuals engaged or interested in parenting education. NYSPEP serves as source of information, resources, and support for parenting education and support programs in New York State.

Resources for Professionals

Family Engagement

Circles of Support Toolkit

The Circles of Support Toolkit offers a wealth of family engagement resources in the areas of communication, participation, and partnerships. NYC Department of Youth Community Development.

Toolkit

Program Activities and Curricula

Parent-Child Communication

Here we connect you to parent education curricula and resources. ACT for Youth.

Resource List

Parent Training Programs

The parent training services listed here have an ultimate goal of preventing or reducing common behavior problems in children and adolescents. Programs are rated by the level of evidence for their effectiveness. California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare.

Parent Program Clearinghouse

The Parenting Project: Healthy Children, Families, and Communities

The Parenting Project offers resources for professionals working with families and caregivers, as well as resources for parents. Cornell University.

Resources

Recruitment and Retention

Kevin's Tips for Effective Parent Recruitment

Parent recruitment is not easy, but there are many practical strategies that you can try. Social Development Research Group.

Recruitment Strategies

Elements of Effective Parenting Programs and Strategies for Increasing Program Participation and Retention

Here the authors review parenting education research and strategies for increasing participation and retention. The review linked here is chapter six in a book on parent support. A summary of the research can be found on pages 341-342. National Academies Press.

Research Review

Five Strategies for Successful Recruitment and Retention of Children and Families in Human Service Programs

The goal of this toolkit is to increase participation in human service programs for such issues as behavioral health, substance use, stress management, parenting, and healthy relationships. This toolkit provides strategies for developing a strong recruitment and retention plan. RAND Corporation.

Toolkit