Community Supports
Parent Aide / Education
Nurturing our Children
Growing as Parents & Families
BFT’s Parent Aide/Education Program is designed to strengthen biological parents by promoting safe, nurturing visits where the parents can learn, grow and develop in their parenting skills and confidence!
Parent Aide / Education Program Visits
We support parents and children through weekly supervised visits, called parent-child visits, with the parents and their children and follow-up “progress reports” as needed for the parents.
The parent aide/educator (PAE) plays a vital role during the visits as supervisor, observer, notetaker and trainer, as the PAE will engage in the visit as needed to model specific techniques necessary for the parents to build connections with each child.
As the parents grow and develop in their skills and confidence, the PAE will simply observe and engage less.
The primary goal for each parent is to show that they can consistently provide safe and loving care for their child. They are also expected to show their ability to provide for their basic needs at each visit, such as diapers, wipes, food, etc.
Download our Parent Aide / Education Program brochure for additional information.
How the PAE Process Works
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Before the parent-child visits (PCVs) begin with the parent aide/ educator (PAE), the parents are given clear expectations. This includes a copy of the visitation guidelines that will be followed during each visit.
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The parents will also be aware of the types of behaviors we look for in their current parenting abilities.
We provide an in-depth checklist to the parents that gives detailed documentation on initial interactions with the children, apparent growth and where improvements are needed.
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The Missouri Children’s Division Case Mapping Tool shows three columns, which provide an effective overview of how the visits are going.
The PAE will communicate important information and feedback to parents as needed based on these observations.
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The PAE will then provide the family support team with updates on how the visits are going.
There are weekly and monthly reports provided for the team. In addition, the case manager for the family will request a court report from the PAE when needed. View sample court report.
How Parents can Qualify for PAE Services
Biological parents are eligible for parent aid/educator (PAE) services through a court order.
The case manager may also see a need for the family to receive positive parenting education and guidance and submit a referral form.
Benefits of the PAE Program to Parents and Children
The parents may also benefit from learning about early childhood development and appropriate practices and discipline. In doing so, they can better engage with and discipline their children.
The children benefit from the program by having a consistent and safe adult to connect with each week. The PAE will often provide transportation for the children.
This allows for each child to connect with and feel loved by another adult who is part of their weekly routine. The PAE possesses the skills and talents necessary for the children to establish healthy relationships, and to equip parents to do the same.
Parenting Tips
Parenting can be hard, and we are here to help you! Here are a few parenting tips to get you started right now:
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Act as soon as possible so your child associates misbehaviors with their consequences. “Time-outs” can be an option for younger children to think about their actions. Before going to a “time-out,” tell the child in simple words what they did wrong, then the better choice they can make next time. Always do this at their eye level. The time-out can be a quiet spot where they draw a picture expressing their feelings. Be sure not to misuse or overuse “time-out.” It is not a punishment but rather a discipline to help the child develop healthy behaviors.
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Decide what behaviors you must take a stand on and which behaviors you can be more flexible about.
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Give praise often for your child’s positive actions and qualities. This will encourage your child to continue the behavior you want.
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If you’re feeling overwhelmed, arrange some outside help so you can manage all aspects of your life more effectively.
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Listen to your child and show you value your conversations. Good communication can help prevent conflict and stress.
Parent Cafés
Attend our free, monthly Parent Cafés to support you as a parent! The Cafés are support groups for parents to help build positive supports and learn from each other while focusing on the Five Protective Factors:
1) Support
2) Resilience
3) Relationships
4) Knowledge
5) Communication.
Our upcoming Parent Cafés are on our events / calendar and also on our Parent Café Flyer.
Additional Resources
For additional resources for parents, please check out the below websites:
Parent Support Groups
Success Stories
Here are a few examples of how we have worked with clients and the success they have had as the result of the Parent Aide / Education Program…
Testimonials
What our parents say about us...
