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The Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley’s services are based on the Parents as Teachers model. Parents as Teachers is a nationally-recognized research- and evidence-based curriculum that operates with the mission to provide the information, support, and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. All programs are free to any family with children from birth to age six in Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties. For more information about participating in any program, please call our office at (715) 684-4440. Play and Learn Groups Led by a Family Resource Center parent educator, Play and Learn groups are one-and-a-half-hour group sessions that provide parents the opportunities to observe their children interacting with other children, receive expert advice from a Family Resource Center parent educator, and discuss parenting challenges with their peers. Family Resource Center parent educators plan Play and Learn group sessions according to Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. The Family Resource Center offers ongoing, weekly Play and Learn groups in Amery, Baldwin, Hudson, Luck, New Richmond, River Falls, and Spring Valley. A typical Play and Learn Group session operates on the following schedule: 30 minutes - Guided parent-child play 30 minutes - Group “circle time,” children’s activity, snack, and story time 30 minutes – Parent education discussion topic, facilitated by a Family Resource Center parent educator Parent education discussions may include a range of subjects, such as positive discipline, healthy sleep habits, raising a reader, or other parenting topics. Hospital Visits Family Resource Center parent educators work to connect families with our services from the time of pregnancy forward. With the support of United Way St. Croix Valley’s Success by 6 Initiative and local hospitals, Family Resource Center parent educators introduce our services to every family that participates in pre-natal classes or delivers at Amery Regional Medical Center, Baldwin Area Medical Center, River Falls Area Hospital, and Westfields Hospital (New Richmond). One-on-one visits to families that deliver at those hospitals ensure that local parents are made aware of the Family Resource Center’s range of free programs as well as other community resources available to parents and families. “Baby and Me” Classes Supported by local hospitals and United Way St. Croix Valley’s Success by 6 Initiative, “Baby and Me” classes provide a play and discussion hour for parents and their infants (from birth to 12 months). Classes occur on an ongoing, ten-week schedule with discussion topics such as massage, sleep, nutrition, baby sign language, reading baby’s cues, child development, separation anxiety, music, taking care of Mom, family traditions, and more. Baby and Me classes are offered at Amery Regional Medical Center, Baldwin Area Medical Center, Westfields Hospital (New Richmond), and River Falls Area Hospital. Teen Parent Groups The Family Resource Center’s Teen Parent Program is available for any teen who is pregnant or becomes a parent as a high school student. Referred by school guidance counselors, county agencies, or themselves, teen parents choose to participate and may remain involved from the time of pregnancy until they graduate from high school. The program provides teen parents with group classes, written assignments, and home visits. School districts allow students to earn high school credit for their participation. Teen parent classes meet regularly in the evenings throughout the school year. Led by a Family Resource Center parent educator and mentor, teen parents and their children attend together and learn about such topics as nutrition, attachment, and the importance of reading to your child. Guest speakers often highlight key parenting subjects. Home Visits Home visits offer parent support and education in the home. With monthly visits to the homes of dozens of families throughout Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties, Family Resource Center parent educators provide age-appropriate child development information, parent-child play ideas, developmental screenings, and opportunities for parents to discuss parenting topics. Teen parent group participants often receive home visits as a complement to the teen parent group curriculum. Positive Parenting and Other Parent Education
The Family Resource Center offers comprehensive parent education classes, topical workshops, and discussion groups designed to · Increase parents’ understanding of child development · Enhance parents’ confidence in child-rearing · Provide opportunities for parents to learn from each other · Help parents develop confidence, self-esteem, and responsibility in children Child Development Screenings Family Resource Center parent educators offer screenings to help parents understand their children’s development. Screenings can provide early identification of potential developmental delays as well as vision, hearing, and general health issues. Resource Network Family Resource Center staff are committed to helping families connect with other community resources, such as · Health and mental health professionals, social service agencies, employment agencies, and related services · Early intervention for children with developmental delays · Community activities, groups, or general enrichment opportunities Outcomes of Family Resource Center Services Families involved in Family Resource Center activities · Find and discuss answers to questions about parenting · Meet other parents with similar interests and parenting concerns · Build and enhance positive, effective parenting skills · Enjoy fun family events · Check out parenting books, videos, and pamphlets from our resource library · Learn what to expect as their children grow · Learn how they can provide the strongest foundation possible for their young children
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