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

Achieving the Goals: Goal 1--All Children in America Will Start School Ready to Learn

U.S. Air Force

The Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) is the Defense agency responsible for providing children of Air Force members educational programs from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in overseas areas. Therefore, many of the programs discussed previously apply to the Department of the Air Force such as First Time Parents Program (New Parent Support Program) and DoD Special Supplemental Food Program. Other programs implemented by the Air Force that supports Goal One includes; Boys Town Common Sense Parenting Program, US Air Force Family Advocacy First Time Parent Program, The Air Force Family Advocacy Program, and Family Support Center Education Classes.

Boys Town Common Sense Parenting

This program was developed as a preventive program for non-abusive parents. Emphasis on communication and development of appropriate parenting skills. The program incorporates social learning theory skills training into a curriculum for parents. The primary focus of the training program is on interactive skills, role playing and modeling.

Col. John Nelson
Headquarters Air Force/SGPS
MOA/SGPS
Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5217

(210) 536-2031

Family Advocacy First Time Parent Program

The Air Force began it's "First Time Parents Program" in 1990. The first program was staffed by registered nurses at eight different sites. The purposes was to provide clinical prevention services in support of at risk first time parents and their infants. The primary focus of the program was to assist in coalescing as a healthy, viable family. In 1993, the program was expanded to an additional 65 installations. It is based out of hospitals but encompasses the entire community. The program targets parents through support and education.

Col. John Nelson
Headquarters Air Force/SGPS
MOA/SGPS
Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5217

(210) 536-2031

Family Advocacy Program

The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is a prevention program provided by outreach managers and nurses. It is an intervention program for child and spouse maltreatment. One component of the program is the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), a program to coordinate assignment of families with special needs children.

Col. John Nelson
Headquarters Air Force/SGPS
MOA/SGPS
Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5217

(210) 536-2031

Family Support Center Education Classes

Family Support Centers offer Family Education and Development Programs as part of their ongoing preparation and skills building for every Air Force family at every stage of the member's career. Such training empowers families to master the demands of family life that are complicated by the military lifestyle.

Programs for parents of preschool children are offered on a regular basis. Classes range from "Getting to Know your Newborn Baby" to "Getting Ready for Kindergarten!". Parenting classes cover life cycle issues beginning with new infant information to dealing with adolescent concerns. Recently recognized needs of first term couples and single parents have increased the demand for parenting classes.

Col. Robert Brady
HDQTERS AF/DPCH
Pentagon 1040
Washington, DC 20330-1040

(703) 697-4720
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[U.S. Department of Defense]

[U.S. Department of Education]