If you’re in the education industry around these parts, you’ve most likely heard of the Triple P – also known as the Positive Parenting Program. If not, let us provide a quick backstory. This transformative program helps parents develop simple and practical strategies on three levels. First, it shows them how to build solid and healthy relationships with their child. Next, it empowers parents to manage their child’s behavior confidently. Finally, the program provides a solid information foundation that enables parents to prevent problems in development. Triple P utilizes multiple “levels” of intervention to support healthy family dynamics.
Despite the Triple P’s platform for nurturing parent success, it hasn’t been all sunshine and sprinkles. Historically, community members reported that the program was too expensive or that Triple P wasn’t designed for rural communities. This negative perception often overshadowed PPP’s victorious moments. In addition, barriers to accessing parenting courses efficiently and promptly became an issue. Although multiple leaders had identified parenting as an elevated concern, especially during the first signs of COVID, a decrease in available courses was noted across agencies. These program barriers did not sit well with a handful of local education leaders.
“I am not a fan of settling for less in the county in which I support parents and raise my own children,” shared Heidi Mendenhall, Executive Director of First 5 Tehama. “And, I am grateful I was not the only leader who felt this way. Together we are re-writing that narrative.”
WHO CAME TOGETHER?
Fueled by the data from an environment scan, low attendance at nurturing parenting classes, and the drastically increasing request for various stress support, First 5 Tehama led multiple intimate conversations with crucial agencies. The focus was straightforward, but heartfelt. Like-minded industry leaders zeroed in on what expanding parenting classes in Tehama County could look like and what would be needed to make such moves. These motivated key agency talks looped in Corning Promise, Tehama County Social Service Agency, Tehama County Health Services Agency, and Northern California Child Development Incorporated (NCCDI).
Based on these insightful conversations and trusting the power of relationships, Corning Promise approached First 5 Tehama with funds to catalyze these efforts and establish initial Triple P capacity in Tehama County. Dismantling the negative narrative that once clouded the program, First 5 Tehama and its partners successfully supported five PPP trainers (three bi-cultural and bilingual) to become certified and accredited.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS
In true rural community fashion, First 5 Tehama saw the value of the relationships between partnering agencies and trainers. In an effort to sustain these relationships, First 5 Tehama hosted three Community of Practice (COP) meetings for the trainers as they became certified and accredited. First 5 Tehama gleaned information for the COP from neighboring counties like Shasta, which already had a Triple P system established. In addition, they uncovered local needs, such as a lending library of Triple P resources, and spent time supporting and learning from one another.
“I appreciate the COPs because I have learned new tips and tricks that are working for other providers in their PPP practices,” said Andrea Martin, Parent Liason Coordinator at Lincoln Street School. “I have learned what to avoid along the way as well.”
SUCCESSFUL CHANGES
Due to our collaborative efforts, Triple P has been provided in various successful ways throughout Tehama County. Offerings include group classes, individual classes, and overviews that include enlightening parent panels that share the value and benefit of the information.
Community-wide funding was provided by First 5 Tehama and individual agencies offering in-house financing (i.e., NCCDI). Data and parent perspectives have shown incredibly promising trends.
This response has led to a commitment from multiple community partners to continue Triple P system-wide growth. Fiscally supporting Triple P capacity is planned and shared through many. First, funding streams from our 0-22 system of care partners (e.g., Tehama County Social Services) are in place. In addition, community organizations have committed to sponsorship of an annual Triple P course (e.g., 20-30 Club), and individual 0-22 system of care partners are investing personal funds to grow their own Triple P capacity and participant in COP (e.g., NCCDI, Empower Tehama). Finally, large-scale information continues to showcase the value of Triple P in Tehama County for parent opportunities (e.g., NCCDI Parenting Choice Conference).
THE BIG PICTURE
Although the community partnerships speak volumes about the program’s validity, the true success lies within the parent stories. Case in point, here’s one heartwarming share showcasing how robust PPP can be. (Note that the names have been changed to protect the family’s privacy.)
Eleanor and her husband, Lincoln, are in their early 40s and have two children, Matthew (age 3) and Emily (4 months). Eleanor was involved with the First 5 Book Club when she learned about the Triple P education classes. She attended the 8-week parenting class to learn more about positive parenting and adjust to having two children in their household. As Eleanor described, Matthew began experiencing a lot of regression and difficulty adjusting, including challenges with bedtime after Emily was born.
“The Triple P Program helped by teaching me age-appropriate expectations and discipline techniques and gave me personalized tools for our specific challenges,” shared Eleanor.
For instance, Matthew has enjoyed the bedtime chart, which uses Velcro checkmarks to identify bedtime tasks. Since implementing the chart, Matthew has learned to read an analog clock and has become more consistent in his bedtime routine.
Eleanor explained that the Triple P parenting classes tremendously support transitioning to a family of four. She learned a lot about what to expect based on her children’s ages, created a Family Ground Rule, and made friendships with other parents in the classes. Additionally, Eleanor was referred to apply her son to Head Start due to participating in Triple P. She also plans to apply for other state preschools in the area.
NEXT STEPS
First 5 Tehama will continue to engage the 0-22 system of care leaders. A commitment to growing Triple P with the Interagency Leadership Team, Early Intervention Partnership, and community partnerships are in place. With enthusiasm from parents and trainers alike, the sky is the limit.
“I am so excited to watch this program continue to grow because of how helpful I have seen it be for families,” said Nancy Vicuna, PPP Trainer with NCCDI. “Some families I have worked with still reach out to me to ask questions or share progress. It is amazing how much this program makes a difference. I strongly believe everyone can benefit from Triple P.”
UPCOMING WORKSHOP
Through a partnership created by the Chico State Roots, First 5 Tehama and Chico State were awarded a grant from the National Library of Medicine to provide hands-on and in-person training in English and Spanish. Join us on NOVEMBER 9th for Tools to Support Rural Families: National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus.
This event directly responds to our learning from the ACEs Aware grant as a county identifying a need for health care and health information access for children and families. And, with the training comes a unique experience to participate in research and raise the diverse voice of the rural north regarding access to evidence-based medical information and resources. Interested in joining us? CLICK HERE to register.
Would you like to learn more? CLICK HERE to catch an informative video explaining more about this exciting offering.
SAVE THE DATE
We are already looking forward to the Annual Children’s Christmas Festival. This year’s event will take place from 1 to 4 pm on December 17th. If you want to participate, volunteer, provide gifts, or donate dollars, please email Jennifer Torres at JTorres@nccdi.com to learn more.
EXPECT MORE SUMMIT
The Expect More Summit is right around the corner. Watch for the official invite and registration details to surface soon. We have 250 seats for this exciting annual event.
