In 2000 the NYU Child Study Center launched ParentCorps, a 14-week program aimed to help Pre-K students develop positive social habits and behavioral skills. Since then, the program has been adopted by 10 public schools in New York with over 1,000 children currently enrolled.
Students in ParentCorps are motivated to succeed on both academic and social levels through professional guidance and parental support.
"We were motivated to create a corps of parents with a set of skills to make a major impact on the community," Dr. Bukky Kolawole, clinical psychologist from the NYU Child Study Center, said. "We wanted to resurrect the idea that it takes great abilities to raise a child."
As part of the program parents and their children attend after-school sessions once a week for two hours. Mental health professionals and teachers engage with families to facilitate better communicating and parenting strategies.
"We strive to be culturally sensitive. The program is empowering because it recognizes parents as experts who know what works best for their family," Kolawole said. "We maintain communication with the parents and assess the different ways in which our social skills can be compatible with their family style."
The program takes place during the evening so parents can participate after work, and dinner is provided so siblings can also attend.
"We eliminate the barriers that may interfere with parents experiencing the program. We want them to know that we're open, we're willing, and we're here for them," Kolawole said.
A child group called "Friends School" incorporates playful activities to encourage social interaction with fellow students. Children learn to share with their classmates, recognize emotions of others and express their feelings in a social context.
Friends School leaders perform puppet shows to demonstrate how to make friends. When children exhibit their learned skills, leaders reward them with praise and stickers to reinforce good behavior.
"ParentCorps does not forget about the social and emotional health of these kids. If those two aspects are not intact, the academics cannot take full effect," Katherine Rosenblatt, LMSW and clinical assistant professor of child and adolescent psychiatry, said.
The program targets preschoolers to prevent conduct disorders and promote academic success as early as possible. This year, the NYU Child Study Center is considering reaching out to kindergarten students and community-based organizations.
"We all want the best for children. Everybody wants to see kids succeed," Kolawole said. "Equipping parents and the school community with resources to lead them in the right direction is critical."
