As children grow and develop, they go through predictable stages with expected behaviors. When parents (or other significant adults) know what to expect, they can let this understanding influence the ways they interact with their children. Understanding child development encourages acceptance of what is typical behavior - even when it is frustrating or unfamiliar. Children have phases of "odd" behaviors that are linked to development. Since all parents worry about their children being "normal," learning about development can either be reassuring or support the need to find resources for a child that may have a delay or disability.
The NCFR Fellows designation is the highest honor afforded NCFR members. Fellows will present these roundtables. All attendees are invited to come and learn from the Fellows expertise. Choose one roundtable to attend.
This section of the National Parenting Education Network (NPEN) website includes a list of groups, organizations and programs that provide professional development and networking opportunities for parenting educators within each state. They have been identified as having an active, ongoing presence in the parenting education efforts of the state. The information provided is not intended as a listing or endorsement of programs or curricula.
For a number of years a group of Minnesota parenting educators have worked together to develop the document Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning Curriculum for Parent Education Programs in the Domains of Parent Development, Parent-Child Relationships, Early Childhood Development, Family Development, and Culture and Community. It has recently been updated and is available online and in hard copy through the National Parenting Education Network (NPEN) website.
The National Parenting Education Network (NPEN) is a national umbrella organization that encourages information sharing and professional development and networking for professionals, paraprofessionals and volunteers who serve as parenting educators throughout the United States and in other countries. Its mission is commitment to advancing the field of parenting education.
