Parent Education
Every parent needs information and support at some point along the parenting journey. Positive parenting guidance provides parents and caregivers with knowledge, resources, and support to develop skills that enhance child and family well-being, including a better understanding of child development, the ability to respond appropriately to a child's needs and coping skills to sustain them through the challenges of parenting. Parenting requires continuous learning and growth to accommodate children’s changing needs. Every family learns as they go.
Parent Education is part of the
Family Strengthening Approach toward interacting with parents. Universal access to strategies, resources and programming for any parent or caregiver, according to their needs, creates community conditions that strengthen families. Parenting needs to adapt as children grow, so the types of strategies, resources and programs available to parents must reflect the range of ages, stages and abilities across childhood.
The Prevention Board prioritizes evidence-informed parent education programs through competitive funding opportunities. In addition to funding, the Prevention Board technical assistance and supports partners also implementing these programs. Our goal is not just to prevent abuse and neglect, but rather to strengthen families. Research has shown that evidence-informed parent education promotes safe, stable and nurturing relationships, thereby reducing the likelihood of child maltreatment. Positive parenting practices have enormous impacts on children's social, emotional, and intellectual development, particularly during the early years. They strengthen the parent-child relationship, which parents appreciate because they recognize the importance of this development to their child’s overall well-being. Furthermore, when children display healthier, less challenging behavior, parents are also more likely to enjoy their parenting role.
The map below includes parent education providers.
Parent Educator Providers