young_parents
Sacaton-Vechij Himdag Alternative School in collaboration with Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) Early Childhood Special Services, Building Blocks for Healthy Children, Genesis, Gila River Health Care and First Things First is offering monthly programs for Community teens that have started their own families.
Teen parents, who are still in high school, often have their own parents or neighbors provide childcare for their little ones. These young parents and their families may not be fully aware of all of the programs offered by the community to support young children.
Monthly outreach programs are held at Vechij Himdag High School, located at 168 S. Skill Center Road in Sacaton. These events usually begin at 5:30 and focus on early literacy, parenting, child development, well baby and nutrition. A special part of the program focuses on teaching teen fathers how to be good role models and active parents in their children’s lives.
The first event in the series, The Little People Fair, was held in November. This event offered well-baby screenings from Gila River Health Care; Building Blocks offered a parent and baby activity center making fingerprint turkeys; First Things First offered family bowling; a ‘baby-getmoving’ center was provided by Genesis, and a special storytelling event was provided by GRIC Early Childhood Special Services.
Guests Leah Lewis and Wallace Vaine, from Gila Crossing Community School’s FACE program showed young parents how to make books on the computer for their children. Parents and little ones were also treated to a nutritious snack and received brochures from the community service providers. A raffle also took place for books, baby items and car seats.
December’s Cookies, Babies and Books event featured a how to read aloud to your baby or child program that was sponsored by GRIC Early Childhood Special Services. Participants also made rice crispy “snowballs” and all young parents in attendance received a book on parenting courtesy of the Vechij Himdag Title Two Parent Involvement Grant.
Donations from community members and friends of Vechij Himdag Alternative School ensured that all of the little people went home with several new children’s books that their parents could read to them later. The sugar free hot cocoa was a treat as well.
The January 20th event - Let’s Get Movin’, will feature children’s books focused on fun activities that young parents can do to support keeping their little ones active, healthy and learning. The event will start at 5:30 and a healthy snack will be provided. Teen parents will receive a book to take home that supports the goals of the event. All events are open to all community teen parents, their families and little ones. Teens who are caregivers for younger brothers and sisters are also welcome.
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