Parenting Education

“Nurturing Parent/Crianza con Cariño 

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center offers this structured, complete curriculum with experiential activities for parents in group sessions led by trained facilitators. The program focuses on nurturing as a lifestyle, growth and development of children including brain development, ages and stages, and infant and toddler development. The 12-session curriculum is family-based and has a strong track record of preventing child abuse and neglect.

“Nurturing Parent/Crianza con Cariño” is offered twice a year in English and Spanish at Project Vida’s ECD Center. Parents and families may attend in person or by Google Meet. Parents also may access the curriculum by email or through information provided by the ECD Center. However, attending in person or by Google Meet is highly recommended.

“The Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery”

Project Vida’s Early Childhood Development Center partners with the West Texas Court Behavioral Health Residential Center to offer this program, and Project Vida may refer participants. Currently provided through Google Meet, “The Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery” is aimed at adults incarcerated due to substance abuse who are in parenting relationships with children. Parenting relationships may be biological, through marriage or intimate partners, or legal guardianship.

Spouses, partners, and extended family members of parenting adults in treatment and recovery may also attend the program sessions. The program’s 17 topics are each offered in a 90-minute session beginning with an introduction by a trained facilitator about the topic and the group process. Goals, objectives, materials, and preparation are outlined for each session. Activities and exercises are designed to promote a high level of group participation and interaction to increase awareness and knowledge of the effects of substance abuse on parenting and child development. 

“Parents as Teachers” 

Through referrals to the “Parents as Teachers” (PAT) program of United Way of El Paso County, parents are provided with information, encouragement, and support to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. PAT is an evidence-based, free, home visiting program providing parents and caregivers with enhanced knowledge of early childhood development. Focus also includes early detection of developmental delays and health issues, support for school readiness and success, and connection to community resources. Click here for more information on “Parents as Teachers:” www.uwparentsasteachers.org.