A Community Conversation

History: Parent Information Action Research

“Parents helping parents get the information they need”

Parents who have access to quality information and the supports to use that information can make better decisions to nurture children. Right: 10 Co-Researchers

What is the Issue?

How should we nurture children to be healthy and make better choices?

In this conversation we mean: “We” includes parents and all

community members who are in roles connected to children.

To nurture children we must support parents and others who care for them.

What do we hope to accomplish today?

We hope to:

• Begin a productive and engaging dialogue among people with different ideas about how to nurture children and help them make better choices

• Become aware of each other’s ideas and priorities about supporting families

• Identify insights, ahas, and surprises

• Consider individual or community next steps

• Feel free to agree or disagree with each other’s ideas, but remember to listen with respect and understanding to each other’s perspectives.

Options

Looking for Answers Together suggests three options for improving parent access to information that will help them to nurture their children.

OPTION 1: Parents and Neighbors

Should Take More Responsibility

The problem is that too many parents are not taking proper responsibility for their children, while friends and neighbors look the other way….

(Issue Guide, P. 17)

OPTION 2: Make Time for Families

a Top Priority

The problem is that parents become overwhelmed by a perpetual lack of time. ….

(Issue Guide, P. 18)

OPTION 3: Guarantee That Every Child’s

Basic Needs are Met

The problem is that major issues affecting our society—such as health care, jobs, mental health, and illiteracy—have very direct impacts on families and communities….

(Issue Guide, P. 19)

A Sincere Thanks to All of You

For More Information Please join us for a follow-up to today’s conversation:

DATE, TIME, LOCATION

Discovery collaborative contact or parent contact…

Looking for Answers Together Community Conversations are hosted through a learning partnership of

Parent Co-Researchers:

William Carter and Monica L. Jackson, Parent Researchers Bridgeport Alliance for Young Children

Crystal Hernandez and Timeca Peters, Parent Researchers East Hartford Child Plan Inc. Doreen Abubakar and Yury Maciel-Andrews, Parent Researchers New Haven Early

Childhood Council Cheryl Petersen and Karla L. Woodworth, Parent Researchers Torrington Early Childhood

Collaborative Rubis Santos Collado and Carmen A. James, MA, Parent Researchers Waterbury Bridge to

Success

William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Hamden, CTKettering Foundation, Dayton, Ohio

Parent Inquiry Initiative at the University of Hartford, CTCommunity Conversations about Education, CT