Evaluating a training program for parental educators.
This paper describes and evaluates a training program for parental educators to teach parenting classes for families with children 1 to 5 years of age. Six staff and parent volunteers from a family resource center participated. Evaluations of the training program showed improved knowledge and increased comfort in teaching parenting classes. Two graduates of the training program led a 10-week series of parenting classes. Parents in their class series (n = 9) significantly reduced their reported use of verbal and corporal punishment, increased their nurturing, and improved their perceptions of their children's behavior. These results were similar to those from a series of similar classes for 15 parents led by a university instructor. Results are discussed in terms of research needs for training qualified parental educators.
Fox
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Marquette University Parenting Center, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA. 6306foxr@vms.csd.mu.edu
Hennick
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D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014838:Volunteers / Q000193:education