See How We Grow: A Report on the Status of Parenting Education in the U.S.

Overview & Synopsis

In response to increasing requests for funding of parenting education programs, The Pew Charitable Trusts funded a study to examine parenting education in the United States. This resulting report provides a general overview and highlights the "peaks and valleys, risks and opportunities" of the parenting education field. Chapter 1 of the report, "Introduction to Parenting Education," describes the growth of parenting education. Chapter 2, "Getting Grounded: Definitions," defines parenting education, family support, parent, and caregiver. Chapter 3, "Understanding Why: The Compelling Evidence," discusses the urgency of strengthening families because of demographic shifts and increases in child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, crime, and violence. Chapter 4, "The Universe of Parenting Education; A Typology," gives examples of eight types of programs, education, health care, multiple/complex needs, normative, work, special needs, research, and advocacy. Chapter 5, "Descriptive Categories for Parenting Programs," includes discussion of service delivery methods, cultural diversity efforts, and program activities. Chapter 6, "Overview of Content in Parenting Education Programs," describes the typical content of parenting education programs. Chapter 7, "Training, Shared Learning and Practitioner Support," includes inservice and preservice training, certification and standards, and infrastructure. Chapter 8, "Evaluation, Research and Accountability," examines evaluation studies and the issues involved in evaluation. Chapter 9, "Funding of Parenting Education and Family Support," identifies public and private funding sources. Chapter 10, "Review of Key Programs," describes some leading parenting programs. Chapter 11, "Parenting Education and Fathers," outlines major issues surrounding fathering programs. Chapter 12, "Parent Leadership and Advocacy Training Programs," describes programs for parent leadership and advocacy training. Chapter 13, "Conclusions," notes the growing impact of parenting education and needs within the field. (Contains 147 references.) (KB)