Circle of Parents
Overview
Sharing ideas. Sharing support.
Circle of Parents®
Parenting is the most difficult but rewarding job anyone could ever have. Parents often struggle through various stages of their children’s lives, trying their best to meet each child’s individual needs as the child grows and changes. It isn’t always easy, but help is available. Circle of Parents® is a great way to meet other parents who know what you are going through and to share what you have learned from parenting your children. Parents can be a great source of encouragement and support to one another.
Parent Support
- Parents get together on a weekly basis to offer support and advice, and to share information about parenting.
- Parents are open to hearing what you have to say and will not be judgemental
- Everything that is discussed is kept confidential (within the limits of the law).
- Each person has something to offer the others and everyone in the group benefits.
Parent Leadership
- Topics cover all aspects of raising children including discipline, health, school, homework, nurturing, safety, and child development.
- Parents choose the topics they want to discuss and help lead the discussions.
- Parents work together to lead the group with the help of a trained facilitator
- Circle of Parents® encourages parents to develop leadership skills that will carry over into other parts of their lives, including their job, the community, and even on a state and national level.
Children’s Program
A children’s program is an important part of many Circle of Parents® groups and is free of charge. Parents find it easier to participate when their children can play and interact with other children in a safe and nurturing environment with caring childcare providers. Some groups offer childcare while others have a structured program in place for the children. Parents can relax in the circle of parents, knowing that their children are in good hands.
Funding
Funding for this project is provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant No. 90FR0098 – Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Community Access Program, CFDA # 93.086.
Policies and Procedures of Circle of Parents groups
Parents, please inform the childcare workers if:
- Your child has any allergies
- Your child has any behavior issues or is experiencing difficulty in any area
- Your child is in the process of toilet training
This will help the childcare workers care for your child.
Supplies
Please remember to bring diapers, wipes, bottles, and an extra change of clothes for your child.
Toileting
Toileting in the childcare room takes place from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Please meet your child’s toileting needs before you join the parents’ group.
Childcare Policy
There is no smoking on church property. This includes the front steps and sidewalk and area around the church building. This policy is in place due to licensing regulations and will be strictly enforced.
Childhood Illnesses
Please do not bring your child to the group if he/she has: a temperature of 101 and above, conjunctivitis, bronchitis with a persistent cough, an unidentified rash, impetigo, diarrhea and/or vomiting, severe cold, nasal drainage that is not clear, measles, chicken pox, Rosella, or any obvious symptoms. Medication will not be administered by childcare workers.
Confidentiality
All information that is shared within the group will remain confidential. However, the law says that information may be disclosed when parents of a minor child request it, when abuse or neglect is suspected, when someone is seen as a threat to themselves or others, and when ordered by a court. Every person in the state of New Hampshire is mandated by law to report a suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
