5.5.5
Parent Cafes
Shasta Head Start parents and caregivers participate in Parent Cafes in order to strengthen their families with intimate, energetic conversations where moms, dads, primary caregivers and others can build off each other’s experiences to solve problems that could affect their own families. Parents make new friends, share ideas and learn about community resources. It is a chance for parents to share their hopes and dreams for their family and ultimately build a stronger community.
Shasta Head Start uses the detailed parent café curriculum developed by Shasta Strengthening Families which is designed to reduce occurrences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and increase the Five Protective Factors, coordinate service systems and engage the community.
The Five Protective Factors have been shown through research to protect children against abuse and neglect and promote child development. The protective factors include:
- Parental Resilience
- Social Connections
- Concrete Support in Times of Need
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
- Social and Emotional Competence of Children
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include different forms of:
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Household dysfunction
Parent Cafes are setup using a small group setting with multiple tables covered with large sheets of paper and colorful markers. Local parents (some of them trained facilitators) gather around these table to talk, listen and discover new insights on family issues. Topics range from managing stress to communication to discipline, with an emphasis on pre-selected Protective Factors.
During parent cafes, community resources are made available at designated tables for parents to take and read at their convenience.
Parent Cafes are held several times a year in each of the geographical areas in which Shasta Head Start operates. Some parent cafes are held in collaboration with other community agencies in the area, while some are stand-alone events which are held on our own.
Parent Cafes are for the most part held at the larger Head Start centers, but may be held at a nearby school or community center.
The Parent Engagement Coordinator is responsible for scheduling, planning parent cafes, and assigning roles to participating staff. Group meetings are held before each parent café to discuss setting up the event. Family Workers, Home Visitors and Site Supervisors are invited to attend both the planning meeting and the parent cafes. Family Workers, Home Visitors and Site Supervisors can participate voluntarily as a Table Host, Café Host or other form of support (they must go through specific training to participate as a Table Host or Café Host).
Child care is provided at these events to the first 25 children to RSVP. Child care is provided by Head Start teachers. If Head Start parents find at-home-child-care they can be reimbursed $5.00/hour per family.
Additional Information:
- Parent cafes can count as a parent meeting.
- Family Workers/Home Visitors can use a parent cafe as a Parent Center Committee Meeting once per year.
- If FW/HV uses a parent café as a Parent Center Committee Meeting they must inform the Parent Engagement Coordinator and their Area Manager.
References
- Shasta Strengthening Families
- Shasta County Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council
- Be Strong Families – Parent Cafés
- Parent Café Training Handbook – contact the Parent Engagement Coordinator regarding this resource