Nurturing Parents Program Update
The Washington Island School and the Family Center have jointly sponsored a “Nurturing Parents” program in support of parents of children ages 5 and under. The program utilizes a parenting curriculum developed by Stephen J. Bavolek, Ph.D., and Juliana Dellinger Bavolek, M.S.E. The Island group is facilitated by Margaret Foss, K – 2 teacher at the Washington Island School, with coordination and meals provided by Laura Findlay Hagen, Family Center Coordinator. Funds for the curriculum materials, meals, and childcare, are provided through a grant written and received by Gina Wautier, Executive Director of the Door County Family Centers.
The Nurturing Parents group has been meeting once or twice monthly since late October. Ten families, including moms, dad, and children, have been attending regularly. Families arrive at school for dinner at about 5:15 p.m., allowing participants to enjoy some social time. Following the meal, children are escorted by a team of childcare providers to the Rec Center to play, while the parents attend the session.
The Nurturing Parents curriculum is intended to cover a wide range of topics while helping families connect with one another in a positive and supportive way. The topics covered so far have included nurturing as a lifestyle, balancing basic human needs, brain development, ages and stages, developing empathy, and helping children handle feelings.
Before the school year ends, the group will work on setting appropriate limits to encourage independence, building self-esteem, and developing early literacy. The families involved have shown great dedication and commitment to the program, willingly sharing parenting techniques, goals, and personal concerns. The work these families are doing will help them in their efforts to raise healthy, strong, and intellectually vigorous children.
The Washington Island School and the Washington Island Family Center wish to thank all of the childcare providers who are helping the Nurturing Parents program. Helpers include: Robin Ditello, Janet Berggren, Meghann Haertig, Norene Lindsay, Nathaniel Perry, Karin Baxter, Roxanne Munao, Laura Schultz, Sophia Hagen, Aislinn Cornell, Nathan Andersen, Brittany Wacaser, Emily Dompke, Patricia Hansen, Hannes Johnson, Jesse Hansen, Katy Jordan, Josie Hansen, Lauren Gordon, Micala Ervin, and Quinlyn Mann.
—by Margaret Foss
