STUDIO CITY, Calif., Oct. 27, 1999 (PRIMEZONE) - San Fernando Valley schools that are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District are taking a significant step this week to help parents be more effective at home and to be more involved in their children's education. And they are doing this by being considerate and respectful of cultural traditions and values.
The Valley schools are working the non-profit Center or the improvement of Child Caring (CICC), one of the nation's oldest and most influential parenting education organizations, to prepare school staff and parents to deliver CICC's Effective Black Parenting Program.
Teams from every school cluster in the Valley are currently enrolled in a weeklong workshop to learn how to deliver this research-based, culturally-specific parenting program. Upon completion of the workshop and with additional technical assistance, they will soon begin running classes for African American parents in schools throughout the Valley.
"It is a very wise and timely decision on the part of the schools to support high quality parenting programs that teach communication and disciplining skills in a culturally-sensitive manner," said CICC's director, child psychologist, Dr. Kerby T. Alvy. "These unique programs have been very well received by parents from the relevant cultural groups, and they have helped thousands of parents to maintain solid relationships with their children and to be as supportive as possible of their children's education."
The Valley schools are starting this type of culturally-sensitive programming first with African American parents because these parents were the ones who initially requested this type of assistance. The Advocates for Valley African American Students approached school officials and the officials responded by initiating this training project.
The schools are also planning a similar effort for Latino American parents, using CICC's Los Ninos Bien Educados Program, as well as exploring other culturally-sensitive programs for parents. Eventually, they hope to have the full array of modern parenting skill-building programs available to complement their regular parenting education offerings.
The Effective Black Parenting Program itself provides 15 sessions of training, role playing and in-home practice for parents. It promotes an achievement orientation to raising children, "The Pyramid of Success for Black Children." It teaches a series of very practical parenting skills, including how to praise children effectively, how to use regular chit-chats to get to know children better, and how to use family rules and non-violent discipline methods to maintain cooperation.
The program also incorporates 32 African proverbs, including, "Children are the reward of life," and "A shepherd does not strike his sheep" which grounds its teachings in the wisdom and poetry of the African ancestors.
CICC originally developed and successfully field-tested the program in Los Angeles under grants from the federal government in the 1980s. The program is now considered to be a national model and has won many awards, including from the White House. The program is in use in 40 states, as CICC has already trained 2,000 instructors to deliver it through local schools, agencies and churches.
More information about the program can be obtained by visiting CICC's Web site (www.ciccparenting.org) or by calling CICC's toll free number 800-325-2422.
EDITORS NOTE: The media is invited to the graduation of this week's instructor training workshop on Friday afternoon, October 29, 1999 at 3:30 p.m. It is being held at CICC's offices: 11331 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 103, Studio City, California, 90604. Graduates will talk about the importance of culturally-sensitive parenting, and Dr. Alvy, Carl Shakelford, the National Trainer in the Effective Black Parenting Program, and officials from the Los Angeles Unified School District will also speak.
PRESS ALERT
WHAT: Graduation of Los Angeles City School Staff and
Parents Who Have Just Learned How to Conduct the
Effective Black Parenting Program
WHEN: Friday, October 29, 1999
3:30 P.M
WHERE: Center for the Improvement of Child Caring
11331 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 103
Studio City, California
WHO: Key Speakers:
-- Dr. Kerby T. Alvy, National Authority on Parenting,
-- Author: Parent Training Today: A Social Necessity
-- Carl Shakelford, National Trainer in the
Effective Black Parenting Program
-- Los Angeles School District Officials
The 16 graduates will be conducting the Effective Black
Parenting for African American parents throughout the San
Fernando Valley.
CONTACT: Dr. Kerby T. Alvy
Center for the Improvement of Child Caring
818-980-0903