A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Parents Plus
United Health Group of Wisconsin

Parents Plus is a cooperative effort to bring parental education and assistance resources within reach of all parents throughout the State of Wisconsin. In the first year of the program, four centers are being established that provide services to 34% of the state?s population. The regions selected for the initial centers represent a blend of the most urban and rural areas of the state and comprise a large share of the state?s high-need population. Additional centers will be opened in subsequent years in order to cover the entire state population by the year 2000.

Parents Plus focuses on the grassroots implementation of effective models for parental/family involvement and assistance. The following model programs have been selected for extensive use in regional and state training. Each regional center determines its own program structure, which may blend models with other programs unique to that center.

1. Parents as Teachers
   This nationally renowned family visiting model helps develop parent-directed support activities for children birth to 5 years. The Fox Valley Parents as Teachers program has trained leadership through the national program and serves as the primary trainer.

2. Epstein Framework for Participation
   This model has been used extensively by the Department of Public Instruction for parent/family involvement to reach parents of students at all grade levels. The Epstein model uses six focus areas in a research-based and widely applicable family involvement in education model.

3. Parenting Programs
   Programs will be offered that stress parental involvement in preventing school failure and reducing family stress. Programs also will be initiated which will teach parents skills to enhance their children's self-esteem and assist children in responsible decision making.

4. Family Resource Centers
   A network of community-based "family resource centers" has emerged in many communities across Wisconsin. Parents Plus will work to enhance these efforts as well as disseminate best practices from these centers.

5. PECCC Program
   The Plymouth Early Childhood Coordinating Council is a unique school-based program offering programs for parents of children birth through 12th grade. This effort is highly collaborative and is operated in conjunction with the school district's community education program.

State Partners

• WI Department of Public Instruction
• Wisconsin Prevention Network
• Families Forward of Wisconsin
• United Way

Local Partners/Centers

• Fox Valley Region
  • United Health Group of Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Region
• Sheboygan Region
  • Plymouth Public Schools
• Northern Wisconsin Region
  • Cooperative Educational Service Agency 9

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