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

Compendium of School-Based and School-Linked Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents, February 1999

Mission:

Provide educational opportunities for pregnant and parenting teens to move them towards graduation and beyond, and guidance to enable them to meet the changing needs of their families.

Profile:

In existence since 1985, the Teen Parenting and Child Care Program is a comprehensive community program located in a suburban county school and health clinic. On an annual basis, the program serves approximately 6 pregnant teens, 20 teen mothers, and 1 father. Currently, the program serves African-American (69 percent), white (19 percent), and other (13 percent) persons, 14 to 19 years old. On-site child care is provided for 12 to 15 children.

Description of Service Model:

The program offers comprehensive services, including academic programming, health care, and counseling for Howard County public school students, and child care and health services for their children. The program enables pregnant and parenting teens to complete their high school education and receive job readiness training. It also offers pregnant and parenting teens that are not in the program outreach services at their home schools.

The program is a joint endeavor of the Howard County Public School System, the Health Department, the Department of Social Services, the Family Life Scope, Careerscope, and other partners. The success of the program is attributed to the active involvement of community businesses, county health and social service agencies, and volunteers of charitable organizations.

Teen Parenting and Child Care Program is a recipient of the Maryland State Award of Excellence.

Evaluation Methods:

Evaluation data include graduation rates, grades, and postgraduate economic self–sufficiency. The program documents achievements in an annual report.

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[Trisha Obear Teen Learning Center and Maurice Kirby Child Care Center] [Alternative Education Enhancement Project]