LOOK BACK TO LOOK AHEAD
These past two trips around the sun have been quite telling. The world seemed to travel at multiple speeds. At times we appeared to be plugging along in slow motion. Yet, at others, we felt like we were traveling at warp speed. This irregularity was felt (and still is being felt) exponentially by our families, parents, educators, and leaders who continue to build the brains of our future. Yet, as we maneuvered through this chaotic year of paradoxes and transitioned into the continued contradictions of 2021, we began to understand the tenacious POWER of relationships. It’s an easy concept to wrap your mind around as you can often feel the energy generated by mindful gatherings. However, our data proves the unwavering impact of connection.
In the earliest months of 2021, parenting was still locked in a strange space. More families had their babies, infants, toddlers, and pre-school-aged children at home, thus pulling parents and guardians in more directions than ever before. However, this drastic shift sparked countless new occasions to come together and learn evidence-based strategies to further support parenting, nurturing, and problem-solving that we all need more of in this paradoxical world. Through a partnership and particular contract with Northern California Child Development, Inc. (NCCDI), parents, grandparents, and even foster parents successfully completed Nurturing Parenting Program courses (English and Spanish). Out of the two dozen parents enrolled in these classes, 16 completed the 16-week course. Those who participated in the entire study increased skills in parenting and nurturing (Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory – AAPI and Nurturing Skills Competency Scale – NSCS). They also showed a 52% increase in their knowledge regarding nurturing skills and a 32% increase in knowledge of nurturing practices. In addition, this group saw a 28% increase in their appropriate expectations and alternatives to physical punishments.
The data speaks for itself. However, the stories from participants bring the success of the Nurturing Parenting Program courses home. One such story comes from Mark (fake name), a father mandated to take NPP classes. When he first started to program, he still had custody of his child. However, Mark had already missed three sessions by the sixth class, and his son went into foster care. This harsh reality prompted him to reach out to NCCDI to inquire about one-on-one meetings to help him complete the full course as assigned. As a result, mark finished all 16 class sessions and expressed that he wished he’d known more about parenting earlier in his life. Mark has since regained custody of his son, who is now enrolled in the Head Start program at NCCDI.
As the year 2021 unfolded, families and educators continued to face new challenges. To help us understand these hurdles and address needs more, First 5 completed a research-based survey. It quickly became apparent that families sought social connection, supportive relationships, mental health supports, and concreate needs (such as food and diapers). Home visitors stepped up across the country to offer supportive bonds and connectedness while still maintaining the element of social distance.
The impact of these relationships was and still is, impressive to say the least. First 5 Tehama funds one evidenced-based Home Visitation Program provided in partnership with the Tehama County Department of Education.
With home visiting remaining virtual for most of the year, finding new ways to provide support and guidance tied explicitly to coaching parents in nurturing and learning interactions was critical. To achieve this, the team piloted a new assessment – the PICCOLO. This observation-based tool offers insight into a family’s strengths and how the home visitor can provide tips and tricks to strengthen a parent’s teaching opportunities, responsiveness, affection, and encouragement. Each of these areas is predictive of not only a stronger child-parent bond, but also leads to developments in children that point to later school success. Changes between the pre and post-tests were statistically significant for all domains and to the overall PICCOLO scores. Interestingly “teaching” had the most substantial point increase of the four domains, with a pre-test average of 10.5 and a post-test average of 14.5. This finding linked to a new interaction skill that parents across the nation had to lean into in various ways due to distance learning and quarantining. Moving forward we should take note of this key evidence. When faced with new challenges, parents and children benefit from “champions” at their sides (like home visitors).
If you attempted to see a physician last year, you know the struggle is real. Yet, we also know that remaining current on well-checks for both pediatric and dental is a significant predictor of child well-being. Families participating in the First 5 funded home visiting program saw enormous benefits compared to other Tehama County Families. Interestingly, appointment transportation was not provided during 2020-2021. One might have predicted that this would have served as a significant barrier for some. However, this issue did not derail the solid positive outcome. Thanks to home visitors’ encouragement and goal-setting techniques, most cooperating parents and guardians continued to follow through on doctor and dental visits. “These outcomes are quite remarkable, and they highlight the need to truly support the whole child/family,” offered Heidi Mendenall, First Five Tehama Executive Director. “The act of goal setting with families leads to improved child health, which leads to enhanced child learning. Imagine the learning impact if we could extend this beyond the early years.” The data showcasing the power of this relationship is beyond telling. From the pool of families participating in the intensive home visiting program, 98% of children had medical insurance, 80% were up to date on dental visits, and 93% were current on immunizations.
Countless families continue to sing the program’s praises. And what is the single largest theme these stories have in common, you ask? You guessed it. They all embrace relationships and connections. One such success story focuses on Isabella. This 21-year-old first-time mom heard about home visiting and was interested in learning more about her pregnancy and development. She was scared and lonely as her family lived out of the area. She also stopped working during a portion of her pregnancy which led to further feelings of isolation. Isabella and her boyfriend decided to begin home visitation program services. For seven months before the baby was born, they participated in twice-monthly virtual visits. These interactive cyber chats did wonders for Isabella. Not only did they provide essential child-rearing information and outline countless helpful resources, but they also offered someone for the couple to openly converse with and trust. She is thankful for all of the support she and her boyfriend received. Isabella has since delivered a healthy and happy baby and continues with home visiting now that their bundle of joy has arrived.
It wasn’t only these relationships between families and providers that offered “light” for the year of paradoxes. In the professional relationships between peer educators, leaders, community champions, and policymakers, we saw multiple vital impacts. Through Early Intervention Partnership, a lasting collaboration aimed at decreasing silos between service delivery has afforded lasting results. One easy example is the ACEs Aware Planning Grant. First 5 Tehama utilized this $300,000 windfall over the course of six months to train over 58 providers in ACEs Aware sharing the windfall wealth with grant partners to further support services. Influenced by like-minded convenings and listening to a community need, partners such as Expect More Tehama, the Tehama County Department of Education, and First 5 Tehama were able to focus webinars around mental health and healing. This heightened awareness and understanding of trauma-informed practices.
A key specifically to the Early Intervention Partnership efforts is the sharing of the workload. To make a true impact, we must use all of our relationships to further the success of our endeavors. As stated in the First 5 Tehama 2020-2021 Annual Report report, “Information gained from EIP is actively shared within the agency system and with other community leaders to facilitate usage and change. Each participant reported that they shared resiliency resources from EIP meetings with staff who would then share with families.” This example again speaks to the power of what genuine connection can foster within a community. That’s not all. The shared workload in the ever-important early book reading realm has proven fruitful. Since the First 5 Book Club made its official debut it has grown to nearly 300 members in both English and Spanish-speaking families. This success would not have been possible without the fantastic partnership from our Tehama County Library, pop-up hosts such as Turn the Page Book Loft, and the great Pregnancy to Preschool companions who continue to encourage and facilitate book distribution. This innovative program provides families with opportunities to pick up free books at the library, participate in pop-up summer events (Grab & Go Science and Stories), and receive email updates informing families of local events that support early reading development. These intentional emails also offer a handful of literacy pro-tips to inspire interactions.
A key specifically to the Early Intervention Partnership efforts is sharing the workload. To make a true impact, we must use all of our relationships to further the success of our endeavors. As stated in the First 5 Tehama 2020-2021 Annual Report report, “Information gained from EIP is actively shared within the agency system and with other community leaders to facilitate usage and change. Each participant reported that they shared resiliency resources from EIP meetings with staff who would then share with families.” Again, this example speaks to the power of what genuine connection can foster within a community.
That’s not all. The shared workload in the ever-important early book reading realm has proven fruitful. Since the First 5 Book Club made its official debut, it has grown to nearly 300 members (both English and Spanish-speaking families). This success would not have been possible without the fantastic partnership from our Tehama County Library, pop-up hosts such as Turn the Page Book Loft, and the great Pregnancy to Preschool companions who continue to encourage and facilitate book distribution. This innovative program provides families with opportunities to pick up free books at the library, participate in pop-up summer events (Grab & Go Science and Stories), and receive email updates informing families of local events that support early reading development. These intentional emails also offer a handful of literacy pro-tips to inspire interactions.
WHAT’S NEXT As we round out a successful year, we are looking forward to continuing growth, connections, and gains as we charge into 2022. We’ve learned so much in the last two years. Although it has been trying at times, necessary reformation, improvements, and progress blossomed from the forced change. One thing is for sure. RELATIONSHIPS will continue to be at the forefront of our work. We have numerous ideas incubating that are deeply rooted in collaboration and connection. These include the following.
- Badges with Books: A great opportunity to foster relationships between our local law enforcement, families, and children. Don’t be surprised to see an officer handing out books to prospective parents or children throughout our community. Remember, you can also sign up for our Book Club, HERE.
- Building Brains Through Early Language: Continued opportunities for Pre-K, TK, and Kindergarten-3rd grade teachers to build relationships and learn together through a new grant supporting multilingual education. Registration is now open HERE.
- In-Person and Virtual Training: The community requested more occasions for social-emotional and resilience training as well as more opportunities in Spanish. Register now or request a training HERE.
ANNUAL REPORT
As we look back to look ahead, it is evident that 2021 paved the way for future growth and success. Despite continuing to navigate challenging circumstances, First 5 Tehama experienced countless achievements this past year. It’s a testament to our organization’s passion and an unrelenting drive to build upon, reimagine, and create new ways to serve local youth. Thank you for your support. For more success stories and an in-depth look at our latest data, click the button below to explore our 2021 First 5 Tehama Annual Report.