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Ask Me

• Start interviewing in advance of need

• Visit more than one home

• Ask for references and check references carefully

• Check license

• Ask about Back-up Care, Fee Policies, Food Program and Program Activities

• Let the provider interact with your child

• Ask provider how he/she would respond in hypothetical situations

• Ask very specific questions about the provider’s discipline techniques

• Clarify your expectations

• Ask about the flexibility of the provider’s hours

• Look for evidence of good hygiene, sanitary conditions and health requirements

• Don’t feel pressured to say yes or no on the spot

• Check for age appropriate materials and activities

• If anything about the provider makes you the least bit uncomfortable, keep looking and report it to the FCC Coordinator

OVERVIEW OF MILITARY PARENTING PROGRAMS

Parenting programs/education are generally not a stand alone program in the military with designated staffing and funding, but instead are provided as a service offered by military agencies such as Family Centers, Family Advocacy Program, and Chaplains. In fact, parenting programs are often provided by multiple agencies on a military installation. Parenting education and support are offered to military families through several different types of activities: classes, support groups, or special programs. These activities are offered for one or more of the following purposes: to address specific problems or issues, teach and build skills, enhance self-sufficiency of families, and prevent child abuse.

PARENT EDUCATION CLASSES

Classes on a wide array of parenting topics are made available to Department of Defense families and as such are a primary prevention activity. Because participation is voluntary and typically there are no fees, attendance is on a first-come, first serve basis. The length of classes varies across installations, depending upon topic area. Classes are held both on and off an installation and may be taught by military program staff, in conjunction with civilian agencies, or arranged by the military to be provided by a civilian agency.

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

Support groups for special population groups such as single parents or families with children with special needs are offered to provide an opportunity for these parents and families to establish a support system. Military program staff facilitates these support groups.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR PARENTS

Each of the Military Services operates a New Parent Support Program (NPS) and other similar programs for first-time parents. The NPS and other programs are generally designed as a mechanism to teach skills and to provide support to at-risk groups. For further information about the New Parent Support Program, see the New Parent Support Program fact sheet on this Web site.

PARENTING WEB SITE LIST

The purpose of this list is to assist military program staff in the development and expansion of current parenting programs and curricula. This listing is not comprehensive, rather it is a subset of resources and their respective Web sites obtained through the Healthy Parenting Initiative. The resources and links listed below do not reflect our endorsement of the organizations, their products, or services.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

* Children, Youth and Families Education and Research Network (CYFERNet), USDA View resources under Parent and Family to find information for professionals and parents on parenting education, program and curriculum, research, and other resource links. View resources under For Professionals to find information on curriculum and activities, evaluation, public policy research, and other recommended children, youth and family links.
* National Parent Information Network (NPIN), US Department of Education View resources under the Virtual Library and Parent News, NPIN's electronic bimonthly magazine, to explore NPIN's clearinghouse of parenting resources.

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

* American Coalition for Fathers and Children (ACFC) View fatherhood resources under Studies & Reports and Legislation for information about the importance of father involvement in parenting and pending legislation.
* Children's Defense Fund (CDF) View the Parent Resource Network located at the bottom of the home page for a variety of national Web sites offering parenting information.
* The Future of Children View articles reflecting the major issues related to children's well-being from the journal, The Future of Children, published by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
* National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) View NFI's Links and Online Resources to obtain a review of the current social science literature on fatherhood and family trends. To view NFI's Father Facts, click on Father Facts.
* Search Institute View resources under 40 Assets and Research for information and tips for professionals, parents and communities to enhance the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
* The Society for Adolescent Medicine (SAM) View Related Links and Publications for information and resources on adolescent physical and psychosocial health issues.

UNIVERSITIES/COOPERATIVE EXTENSIONS

* Indiana University, Center for Adolescent Studies The Adolescence Directory On-Line (ADOL) provides information on a variety of adolescent issues including Conflict and Violence resources on the study and prevention of youth violence and Mental Health Issues resources on adolescent development and other issues related to the psychological well-being of teens.
* Iowa State University Extension View program information, materials, training and evaluation of the Strengthening Families Program.
* Kansas State Research and Extension View resources under Programs to find information on community parenting programs, such as Basic Parenting.
* Ohio State University Extension Human Development & Family Life Education Resource Center View resources under Parents to obtain links to Professional Resources such as Ohio University's curriculum. Also, view resources under Human Development & Family Life Bulletin and Educational Resources in Family Life for additional research, curriculum and on-line programs for professionals.
* University of Minnesota Extension Children, Youth, Family Consortium (CYFC) View resources under the CYFC Electronic Clearinghouse for statistics, research, publications and resources on parenting and families, fatherhood (i.e., FatherNet), young children, and adolescents.
* University of Missouri Extension, ParentLink View parenting resources for Professionals to find guides for choosing parenting curricula, the National Extension Parent Education Model of Critical Parenting Practices, and additional professional links.