Strengthening Families Program at Milton Elementary completes another successful year

Milton Elementary School had five families and six parents who completed the Strengthening Families Program held this fall. The program consists of seven weekly sessions utilizing an evidenced-based parenting curriculum. The program is currently in its eighth year and to date has seen 59 parents participate and graduate.

Funded through a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, the program is a unique collaboration between Milton Elementary and Children and Families First. It is an extension of FAME, the MES after-school program, and it incorporates a family literacy skills component. It is the only partnership of its kind in Kent and Sussex counties.

The program provides dinner, transportation and child care to promote parent attendance. The three components of the program are parenting skills, children's skills and family skills. The program teaches parents fundamental principles of effective behavior management, communication skills and stress management. Children learn skills to understand their emotions and develop problem-solving skills. Sessions include parent and child practice time learning positive interactions, communication and effective discipline. The program goal is to work with children and families on a preventative basis through education and early intervention to increase students' academic and behavioral success in the long run.

Milton Elementary will be holding another seven-week program session in spring 2017, and fliers will be sent home with students. The school encourages all parents to participate with their children.