Program Description...
Parents & Their Children with Special Needs & Health Challenges is a Twelve session group-based program that meets one day a week for 12 weeks.
• Each session runs 2 hours
• Designed for parents of children birth to 12
• Parents & children meet concurrently in separate groups
• Two facilitators run parents’ group; two or more facilitators run the childrens' group
• Parents & children engage in a 30-minute Family Time with games, songs, snacks & more
Children’s groups are designed to meet the needs of all children regardless of abilities or health concerns. The program material is consistent with topics covered in the adult sessions, and supports the healthy development of children ages birth to 12.
Parents Increase Their Skills & Knowledge...
Nurturing Programs® are inclusive in nature (Inclusion is the full acceptance of all people and leads to a sense of belonging for all family and community members).
Children with special needs and health challenges are included in groups with their typically developing peers. A child with special needs that is included with typically developing children may model behavior and learning. A typically developing child with a health challenge will feel a sense of belonging and normalcy through inclusion. When children who are typically developing and healthy are exposed at an early age to children who are different they can develop empathy, compassion and helpfulness.
Families living with children with special needs and health challenges experience a profoundly personal journey. Each family brings to the experience a unique history, value system, cultural identity, and combination of strengths and challenges.
The Nurturing Program for Parents and Their Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges™ has been designed to provide families the support they need to successfully navigate the journey of parenting. The conceptual framework and morals and values included in the program are applicable to all Nurturing Parenting Programs®.
