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Parent Education and Support

Description

First 5 Contra Costa’s Parent Education and Support Strategy provides support for special parent populations, including teen parents, parents who have children with special needs, and parents with disabilities who have young children.

Parents of children with special needs receive peer support and training on navigating the disability service system.

Teen parents enrolled at Crossroads High School receive bilingual counseling services, casework support and parenting education in the areas of health and child psychology. Teen parents enrolled in Kennedy and Richmond High Schools in West County receive outreach and case management, and one-on-one and group counseling.

Parents with disabilities participate in a support group and some receive home visits for extra help or modified baby care equipment, such as a device that helps deaf parents know when their baby is crying.

Results

• Nearly 300 families of children with special needs received one-on-one and group support, mentoring, and assistance navigating the disability service system. As a result, parents improved their ability to care for their child.
• 145 teen parents received case management, group, couples, and individual counseling, and parenting education last year. Nearly 90% either graduated or stayed in school.
• Last year 13 parents with disabilities participated in a support group. Some high-need parents received home visits and adaptive equipment.

2010-2011 Allocation

$506,117

Contractors

• Contra Costa ARC/CARE Parent Network
• Mt. Diablo Unified School District/ Crossroads High School
• YMCA of the East Bay
• Through the Looking Glas

Community Served