Parent-Child Connection

The Parent-Child Connection (PCC) is a volunteer committee of the Family Support Center of Hamburg. Through informational programs, parent support groups and resource materials, PCC addresses a wide range of parenting topics, including child development, social skills, conflict resolution and effective communication.
Parenting education opportunities are offered to families of children from preschool through grade 12 who live in the Hamburg and Frontier Central School Districts. This includes public, private and parochial school families. Grandparents and other caregivers are also welcome.

Background

A survey of Hamburg Central School District families during the 1996-97 school year by the prevention/early intervention subcommittee of the Family Support Center revealed a strong desire on the part of the respondents to participate in parent education classes and support groups for parents with similar problems.

In October 1997, a Drug and Alcohol Summit brought together 200 school personnel from both the Hamburg and Frontier School Districts, parents, students, government officials, business representatives, social service and prevention providers, law enforcement officials and others to hear information about drug and alcohol prevention. Action plans were developed to combat drug/alcohol problems among local youth. One of the action plans called for creation of a parenting education initiative on the part of the Family Support Center to involve parents in all aspects of planning and leadership.

Under the leadership of Janet Cerra, a former Hamburg Central employee, a core group of parents was recruited to create this initiative, now known as the Parent-Child Connection. Members have been meeting at least monthly since May 1998.

Programs

During the school year the Parent-Child Connection offers:

• Four presentations on parenting topics by experts in the field
• At least two parent support groups facilitated by volunteer parents
• At least one ongoing series of parenting classes facilitated by volunteer parents

Program topics include: relationships, developmental stages of children, self-esteem, social skills, personal growth, respect, self-discipline, behaviors/consequences, accountability, mentoring, stress & time management, resources for parents, single parenting, blended families, child safety, day care, drug and alcohol abuse, conflict mediation, problem solving and decision making, special student situations (ADD/ADHA, learning difficulties, delinquent children, adoption issues, mental illness), career planning, home education, communication skills, parenting adolescents, healthy family relationships.

Leadership

Officers of the Parent-Child Connection represent the Frontier and Hamburg Central School Districts and non-public schools. The parent members are volunteers.