Teen Parent &Teen Parent & Child Development Child Development

Program Program San Antonio High SchoolSan Antonio High School

Why a Teen Parent Program?Why a Teen Parent Program?• Pregnancy has been determined to be the

greatest single cause of dropping out of high school for female students.*

• In addition, teenage fathers are significantly less likely to complete high school than their non-parent peers.*

• *Educational Equity Compliance

Our Mission ~Our Mission ~A Path to SuccessA Path to Success

Enhance parentingskills & promote healthy families

Provide enriching environments for

infant-toddler development

Support pregnant & parenting teens

to finish school

How It WorksHow It Works

Parents take a child development class on campus & spend an hour each day with

their child in the center.

About The ProgramAbout The Program• The center has served

up to 20 children per year since 1994.

• Most are from low-income families.

• About 80% are Latino and bilingual.

Infant-Toddler CenterInfant-Toddler CenterHands-on learning provides young children with:

• Sensory integration

• Tactile experiences

• Motor coordination

A language and literacy-rich A language and literacy-rich environment supports learning.environment supports learning.

Nurturing relationships enhance social-emotional development.

Child Development Classes:Child Development Classes:

Pregnancy & Prenatal CarePregnancy & Prenatal Care

• Stages of Growth

• Nutritional Needs

• Childbirth Options

Parenting SkillsParenting Skills

• Responsibilities • Parents as Role Models• Strategies & Positive Guidance• Discipline & Consequences• Safety, Nutrition & Medical

Care• Day Care Options

Child DevelopmentChild Development

• Birth Order Theory & Gender

• Nature vs. Nurture

• Developmental Stages

Weekly “Family” MeetingWeekly “Family” MeetingA young mothers’ group meets with the school therapist, childcare director and child development teacher to address:

• Self-esteem• Body image• Character building• Relaxation/meditation

Statistics Statistics • An average of 400 births to

teenage moms occur in Sonoma County each year.*

• Teen birth rates for California are 4x higher than those of Western nations outside the U.S.**

*Teen Parent Connections**Public Health Institute

05,000

10,00015,00020,00025,00030,00035,00040,000

AnnualTeen

Births

CA(USA)OtherNations

01020304050607080

Latina Teens White Teens

bir

ths

per

tho

usa

nd

teen

s

Sonoma County

Births to Teenage Mothers

2000 2008

Department of Education

Cal-SAFEDept. of Health ServicesTeen Parent Connections

San Antonio High Healdsburg High

Nueva Vista High

Windsor Oaks Academy

Adera High

Creekside High

Sonoma County Sonoma County Teen Parent ProgramsTeen Parent Programs

What students say about What students say about the Teen Parent Program:the Teen Parent Program:

“I get to meet other teen moms in the same situation. It’s a special bond we develop – different from meeting moms at a playground.”

»17 year-old mother of a baby boy

“The teen parent program provides a homey atmosphere and welcoming environment that encourages the parents to come every day.

The opportunities provided are unlimited. The resources are there. It’s just up to us to use them.”

-- 17 year-old mother of a baby boy

“The staff teach you how to be a good parent and how to educate your child. Before, I didn’t know how to hold a baby.

Now I’ve learned how to talk with my son and ask what he wants.”

--18 year-old father of a toddler

Graduation DayGraduation DayIn 2010, 120 teen parents countywide, representing 20 different high schools, received their high school diplomas.

Success!