Extension Communications Extension 4-H Youth Building Ames, Iowa 50011-3630 (515) 294-9915

12/01/04

Contacts:
Kimberly Greder, Human Development and Family Studies, (515) 294-5906, kgreder@iastate.edu
Lynette Spicer, Continuing Education and Communication Services,(515-294-1327, lspicer@iastate.edu

Iowa State Course on Target with Professionals who work with Parents

AMES, Iowa - Professionals in fields spanning social services, health care, family counseling, education and church ministry are enrolling in the Partnering with Parents (PWP) course offered by Iowa State University Extension.

In part, this is the result of a different and more applicable approach to the subject matter of parenting education, said Kimberly Greder, assistant professor of human development and family studies and course organizer.

It also is due to the flexibility in delivery of the course which can be taken for college credit or non-credit. PWP is offered in 10 daylong sessions at various locations. A set of face-to-face sessions begins January 13 in Sioux City and another set February 17 in Waukon. The series is currently underway in Creston and Marion. In June, the entire series will begin online.

One of the unique aspects of the course is its emphasis on learning about and working within the diversity of different families. "It's an undercurrent of the whole program," Greder said. "As professionals, we need to understand our own perspective, values, beliefs and biases about parenting. Then we need to understand how these biases influence our interactions with parents and our expectations of them." Values and beliefs and cultural approaches are addressed in two of the early modules in the course.

It is an approach that many in the courses over the last two years have told her has changed their behaviors in their respective roles.

"We combine content and process. We don't hand participants a manual, but rather, we give them tools with which to think critically and to use with families." Greder added. "PWP is practical and has a strong component of learn-by-doing."

Students need to attend all sessions to earn undergraduate college credit. For noncredit, students may enroll by the module. The session topics are the Journey of Parenting Education, Cultural Perspectives, Parenting with Special Challenges, Exploring Child-rearing Strategies and Assessing Parenting Education Resources, Parent Learning in Small Groups, Understanding Child and Parent Development, Feeding Children and Physical Activities for Families, Guiding, Nurturing, and Motivating Children, Measuring Program Outcomes, Financial Stability and Family Well-being, and Building Support for Yourself and Professional Development.

Greder noted past participants represent many different disciplines and professions -- school counselors and teachers, consultants, social workers, community action employees, day care providers, family support workers, ministers, therapists and many others who have an interest in increasing the knowledge and skills of parents.
Further information about the curriculum is available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/pwp, or call Greder at (515) 294-5906.

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