1. naeyc Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Families
Generously supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

2. The Big Picture Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Child Abuse Prevention Program
Program Mission: To protect children from
abuse and neglect in order to promote their
healthy development.
Strategy: To infuse successful prevention
practices into normal, non-stigmatizing systems
that large numbers of families with young
children encounter on a regular basis.

3. Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Families
Goal:
To support early
childhood professionals
in efforts to strengthen families…
Strategies:
Actively engage early childhood professionals in these efforts
Prepare & support early childhood professionals
Identify & support leaders in the field

4. Goal and strategies: another view

5. Family Strengthening Strategies: Engage, prepare, & support…
Developmentally appropriate practice
Reciprocal relationships with families
Recognize risks/signs of abuse & provide appropriate support
Help address challenging behaviors
Build on child and family strengths
Know professional responsibilities & seek professional development opportunities

6. NAEYC Priorities

7. Two cohorts (2005 and 2006) Participants:
Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Families National Leadership Program
Two cohorts (2005 and 2006)
Participants:
Meet face-to-face twice during the year
Develop & implement Action Plans
Receive a grant of $1,000
Are linked to resources, materials, & support
Connect through regular conference calls &
Participate in reporting & evaluation activities  

8. Action Plan Activities
Presentations & trainings
College courses
Collaboration/coalitions
Connections with other DDCF grantees
Mini-conferences
State-level advocacy
Funds/in-kind support/donations
Statewide affiliate office
New services for families
All conducted presentations and/or trainings in a variety of venues and settings (local, state and national conferences, coalition meetings, etc.). For many, this was the key part of their action plan.
All members enhanced existing collaborative relationships/coalitions or created new relationships. Several enhanced the connections between early childhood education and the child welfare and mental health systems.
Several made new connections with early childhood professionals connected with other DDCF grantees.
Several organized and hosted mini-conferences.
Several organized and hosted events for state legislatures, including a legislative breakfast and a “lobby day.”
Several were successful in obtaining additional funds/in-kind support/donations to supplement the $ This additional support ranged from snacks to several hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars!
One member stepped out of her comfort zone and ran a successful campaign for statewide affiliate office.
New services: crisis relief nursery, groups for parents of children with challenging behaviors

9. What does this mean for me?
Can be replicated
Range of ideas & opportunities for professionals at all levels
Low- or no-cost
Connects with current practice
Materials are readily available from NAEYC, CSSP, CSEFEL, etc.