The Family Enrichment Program Staff have identified outcomes for children and parents based on current research and best practices in child development and effective parenting. The outcomes are used to guide program planning, implementation and evaluation.
Outcomes for children are based on the brain development research conducted by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, which identified ten things every child needs. The things include interaction, loving touch, stable relationships, safety and health, self-esteem quality childcare, communication, play, music, and reading. Program staff has identified five outcomes under each of the ten headings for children. The outcomes have a developmental context and progress from being applicable to the youngest infant to older toddlers. The Family Enrichment Program Infant and Toddler Curriculums incorporate the ten things every child needs into each lesson. The child outcomes are also incorporated into the way the Center Environment is designed. In addition, The Family Enrichment Program Child Needs Assessment Survey reflects the ten things every child needs.
Outcomes for parents are based on a general review of effective parenting studies and include child development information, social support, positive parenting strategies, healthy life style, stress management, use of community resources, father involvement, positive parent life course, creative expression and hope for the future. Program staff has also identified five outcomes under each of the ten headings for parents. These outcomes progress from a specific to a broader context. The Family Enrichment Program Parent Needs Assessment Survey reflects the ten things every parent needs. A Parent Satisfaction Survey given to parents at the end of the year reflects grown in parent understanding of the ten things every child needs as well as the ten things every parent needs.
A staff satisfaction survey given to the staff at the end of the year evaluates progress in the areas of ten things every child needs and ten things every parent needs. In addition, throughout the year, program highlights are recorded. At the end of the year these highlights are evaluated in terms of the identified child and parent outcomes.
