1. Parent Resource Program NACBCS National Conference July 2006 Luba Torban September 2005 Building Resilience within Communities using a strengths based approach to practice: Implication for Workers

2. Parent Resource Program Provides scholarships enabling entry into mainstream child care for economically and socially disadvantaged families Supports families through facilitation of effective staff/parent relationships Provides parenting programs Fosters families’ capacity to effectively engage with their children Provides high quality developmentally enhancing programs for children Facilitates interagency and community networking Supports staff through staff development and engagement in reflective practices Monitors activities through action research

3. In 2000, SDN received funding for twelve months from the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services (DFaCS) to establish an integrated family support and child care service delivery model. This program, known as The Waterloo Parent Resource Program (WPRP), operated during 2001 from a child care centre in Waterloo, Sydney. The success of the program resulted in further funding thus enabling expansion of the program to six SDN Child and Family Learning Centres.

4. The current Parent Resource Program (the Program) initially provides child care and support for families (who otherwise may not access child care) through a scholarship program. Under the scholarship program, families are able to access child care for $5.00 per day per child. The remainder of the child care fee is met through funding provided within the Program. Once the child has enrolled in one of the six Child and Family Learning Centres, other support services then become readily available to the family in a way that builds on each family’s strengths and enhances their parenting skills.

5. Parent Resource Program “ Integrated Family Systems Model ”

6. Child Learning Opportunities Parenting styles and Instructional practices Parenting supports CHILDREN’S learning and development Participatory opportunities Family/Community Supports and Resources Family/ community activity settings INTEGRATED FAMILY SYSTEMS MODEL OF EARLY INTERVENTION (adapted from Dunst, 2000)

7. Child Learning Opportunities Parenting styles and Instructional practices Parenting supports CHILDREN’S learning and development Participatory opportunities Family/Community Supports and Resources Family/ community activity settings Child as focus of entry into early intervention INTEGRATED FAMILY SYSTEMS MODEL OF EARLY INTERVENTION (adapted from Dunst, 2000)

8. Child Learning Opportunities Parenting styles and Instructional practices Parenting supports CHILDREN’S learning and development Participatory opportunities Family/Community Supports and Resources Family/ community activity settings Interesting and engaging child experiences that are development- enhancing Mainstream child care services as a single point of entry to developmental assessment and educational programs for children, parenting skill development and a network of community services Child as focus of entry into early intervention INTEGRATED FAMILY SYSTEMS MODEL OF EARLY INTERVENTION (adapted from Dunst, 2000)

9. Child Learning Opportunities Parenting styles and Instructional practices Parenting supports CHILDREN’S learning and development Participatory opportunities Family/Community Supports and Resources Family/ community activity settings Interesting and engaging child experiences that are development- enhancing Parent support, information, advice, guidance and referral provided by centre staff through formal (e.g. parenting sessions) and informal occasions to strengthen parenting knowledge/skills facilitate access to community services promote opportunities to enter preparation for work programs encourage family empowerment Mainstream child care services as a single point of entry to developmental assessment and educational programs for children, parenting skill development and a network of community services Child as focus of entry into early intervention SDN Parent Resource Program - integrated family systems model of early intervention Interagency networking

10. Parent Resource Program “Sense of Place”

11. DOCS Regulations Legal obligationsOHS QIAS Administration NSW Curriculum Framework Reporting to Head Office ASPARD Policies My Sense of Place PRP SENSE OF PLACE Facilitating changes Connecting with community Working with agencies Partnership with families availability in crisis and in success Advocating for children’s rights Importance of early childhood as a field Advocating for better provisions and respect for teachers Professional Development opportunities with other professionals Building strong families Opportunities for parents to network Children Staff and Families/Children Interactions Adhering to Regulations Meaningful program and record keeping Beautiful Environments No of Staff and developmental opportunities