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For More Information
Read about the Say Yes to No Campaign
Read John Peirce's recent Journal-Gazette letter
Read the recent article in Fort Wayne Family Magazine (August 1, 2008 edition, pages 25-26)
What is Parent University?
Parent University is an exciting partnership between Great KIDS, the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Stamp Company. John Peirce, of Indiana Stamp, describes Parent University's formation:
"I recently attended a meeting with about twelve Fort Wayne Community Schools Principals, the United Way and the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. One principal noted, 'we have children as a captive audience five hours a day, nine months of the year. 900 hours.' It dawned on me that employers have their parents as a captive audience eight hours a day, all year long. When I asked what they thought of employers conducting a 'parent university' at work, one principal said, 'It could change the face of education as we know it." Many parents who are unable or unwilling to attend evening classes to improve parenting skills might be willing to attend at their workplace.' I believe we stand to benefit as employers by showing our employees we care about them and their families; and by helping to grow the next generation of employees."
John Peirce and Mike Landrum of the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce began brainstorming, and invited Great KIDS to be a part of the process. Soon, Parent University was born.
The concept of Parent University is relatively simple, based around the following ideas:
- Parents, in general, are doing the best they can, but all parents can benefit from education.
- Many parents experience problems with their children.
- Problems at home often manifest themselves in the workplace with employee absenteeism and poor work performance due to stress from home, etc. Ultimately, this leads to a less productive workplace.
- Parents work, and have many commitments after work with their children and families, making time to receive parenting education a luxury many do not feel they have.
- Providing parenting education at the workplace removes barriers, and can lead to a more effective workforce!
Classes can be before work, during the workday (such as at lunch time) or after work, depending on the employer's schedule, and worker availability. The amount of time scheduled for classes is also flexible, but at minimum classes need to be 30 minutes in length. The number of sessions needed to complete each "course" will depend on the amount of teaching time available in each session.
What is Parent University's Course Schedule?
Classes are flexible, depending on the request of the employer. We hope that all Parent University sites will start by hosting "Parent University 101," which uses the Say Yes to No curriculm. This class provides sound, well-researched information on a balanced parenting concept from Dr. David Walsh's book "No: Why Kids-of All Ages- Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It." From there other classes are available based on request from employer/workers. We are in the process of developing this course catalogue. Courses currently available include:
- Internet Savvy for Parents (social networking, internet safety)
- Bullying Prevention
- Parents As Teachers
- Child Abuse Prevention
- Current Trends of Teenagers (What's "robotripping?" Help! I can't read my kids' texts!, What's hot/not etc.)
- Teen Mental Health Issues (overview and/or sessions on specific topics- discuss with trainer)
- Book Buddies
Who's "doing" Parent University?
Parent University is currently being piloted at Indiana Stamp Company, and Partner's First Credit Union, Central Office. We will be soliciting feedback from participants to further refine Parent University.
What if my company is interesting in hosting a Parent University?
Great! Contact Megan Kelly at (260) 449-7272 or via email at mkelly@greatkidsallencounty.org to get started.