Thu, January 12, 2023
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

VIRTUAL: Teens and the Family Connection Series

Length of Training: Two-part series, 3 hours each 

01/12/2023 9:00-12:00 

01/26/2023 9:00-12:00

Participants are REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL TRAININGS in the series and create and try out tailored activities in between trainings.    

Today’s families are busier than ever before. The demands of modern life can make it difficult for parents to stay fully involved in their children’s education. Yet, studies have shown that parent involvement is one of the biggest predictors of student success. Family engagement has a life-long impact on the lives of youth and is a critical part of any effort to engage and empower teens. So how can you increase connection with families and involve them more fully in their children’s efforts in your out-of-school time program? This powerful training series provides the answer. While exploring the challenges of raising a family in modern society, you will learn how to improve your connection with families and increase their involvement with their teens and your program. You will also gain key principles and strategies to help you build a strong platform for effective family engagement.

Please note: Only afterschool practitioners working with middle school youth should register for this training.

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), the participant will earn 8 clock hours (.8 CEUs) of training.

Teens and the Family Connection: Building Blocks 

Training Objectives 

Participants will:

  1. Describe the social factors and family demands that make maintaining contact with parents a challenge.
  2. Identify the five building blocks of strong family involvement.

Teens and the Family Connection: Strong Partnerships  

Training Objectives 

Participants will:

  1. Implement the five essential elements of strong developmental relationships.
  2. Discuss the six shifts of approach which improve efforts to partner with families.
  3. Identify practices for supporting and empowering teens.

Core Competencies Addressed  

Core Knowledge Area – Community and Family Relationships  

  1. B1: Establish frequent contact with parents through a variety of communication strategies – Level 2
  2. C2: Communicate with families about program curriculum, learning goals and activities – Level 2
  3. C4: Look for opportunities to involve families in learning activities – Level 2
  4. C6: Work cooperatively with families on mutually agreed upon practices (e.g., homework, behavior guidance) – Level 2

PQA SEL Items Addressed  

PBC PQA Scale – I-E Creating Safe Spaces  

I.E.1: Foster positive emotional climate

I.E.2: Convey warmth and respect

PBC PQA Scale – II-I Fostering Growth Mindset  

II.I.3: Attribute achievement to effort

PBC PQA Scale – III-N Cultivating Empathy  

III.N.1: Structure activity for sharing and listening

III.N.4: Support valuing of differences