Parent education programs focus on enhancing parenting practices and behaviors, such as developing and practicing positive discipline techniques, learning age-appropriate child development skills and milestones, promoting positive play and interaction between parents and children, and locating and accessing community services and supports. The following programs and resources have been useful in supporting parents and strengthening parenting skills.
- Parent education for families involved in child welfare
- Parent education resources
- State and local examples
24/7 Dad
National Fatherhood Initiative
Focuses on five characteristics a father needs to be a great dad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Covers universal aspects of fatherhood so that men of all cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds can benefit from the programs.
ACT-Raising Safe Kids (ACT-RSK) program
Outlines the ACT/Parents Raising Safe Kids program that focuses on educating parents and caregivers to create early environments to protect children from violence and maltreatment.
Changing Children's World Foundation
Offers an International Child-Parent Development Program (ICDP), an evidence based parenting program, which provides parent education and support.
The Circle of Security
Increases parent-child interactions and parental awareness to enhance attachment security between parents and children. The highlighted interventions expand parents' choices on reactions and raising their children.
Compassionate Child Rearing: A Parenting Education Program
The Glendon Association
Describes a parent education program to support new parents and parents of older children and teens in their personal development. Participants learn new perspectives on the socialization of and discipline toward children and how to develop compassion for their children and themselves. The program is offered at 36 sites in 7 States, Costa Rica, and Canada.
The Incredible Years
Describes a research-based program for reducing children's aggression and behavior problems and increasing social competence at home and at school.
Just In Time Parenting
Cooperative Extension System
Provides research-based information to families in factsheets and newsletters, and connects parents to age-appropriate resources and expert advice.
The Nurturing Parenting Programs
Outlines a family-based program that involves both parents and children in activities, focusing on building a positive regard for self and others. Several programs focus on specific age groups and racial populations.
Parenting Inside Out® Program
Focuses on the Parenting Inside Out program, an evidence-based parenting skills training program developed for criminal justice-involved parents, including those parenting from prison and parents on parole. The program has a proven impact on reducing recidivism and criminal behavior while improving family relationships and parenting skills.
Parents as Teachers
Promotes the optimal early development, learning, and health of young children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers. Parents as Teachers is an international early childhood parent education and family support program designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education accessible to all families.
PEP – Educating Parents, Enriching Families
The Parent Encouragement Program
Provides classes, events, and other educational resources to parents who care for children of all ages. This nonprofit educational organization serves parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers from all communities and offers classes, workshops, community talks, and more.
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
Presents a multilevel parenting and family support strategy that aims to prevent severe behavioral, emotional, and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and confidence of parents.
Tuning in to Kids
Describes a parenting program that helps children learn to understand and regulate their emotions to improve the well-being of children and decrease behavioral difficulties as they age.