March 14^th NCPEN Meeting Minutes, 9:30 am – Community in Schools Board Room

 

Present:  Cinda Wood Amen (Parenting Institute), Betty Connors (Motheread), Karen DeBord (NCSU), C.J. Edwards (Division of Prisons), Jean Fuller (CIS), Michelle Hughes (Prevent Child Abuse NC), Stephanie Jones (N.C. Coop. Extension), Mary Ann Matta (UNCG), D. Wayne Matthews (NCCES), Shari Moxley (Campbell University), Robin Roberts (Parents as Teachers), Sally Sloop (NCPC), Laura Weber (NC-FRC) and Gina Wells (Center for the Prevention of School Violence).

 

Family Support Credential - Laura Weber of the N.C. Family Resource Coalition presented an overview of the Family Support Credential process.  The North Carolina Family Resource Coalition issues the credential in partnership with Duke University Certificate in Nonprofit Management.  It is a skills-based training and can include a field practice portfolio.  The Family Support Credential is available to frontline workers both professional and paraprofessional from all public, private and nonprofit services systems. Upon completion of the 85-100 hours of training based on Cornell University’s Empowering Families Project, participants submit a portfolio, and complete an exam to be eligible for the credential ($200.00). Local trainers determine the cost of the training. 

 

Parent Education Focus Groups - Mary Ann Matta, UNCG Graduate Student reported on the feedback received through recent focus groups.  Parenting educators from six locations (Durham, Forsyth, Pasquotank, Robseon, Stokes, and Burke counties) met with Mary Ann and Karen (at some locations).  Questions discussed by the focus groups included areas of scope, collective vision, knowledge and trends, partnerships and networking, and professional development.  Other topics focused on community collaboration, diversity of systems, people, and families.  Based on the information of the groups, twelve recommendations were made for the professional development of parent educators (proceed with credentialing process with a few minor changes, strive to improve working conditions, build a networks between educators, and explore the idea of a statewide conference. A copy of the full report, “The Challenges of Parenting Education Professional Development,” is available from Mary Ann or Karen.

 

Parent Educator Credential Process - Karen DeBord introduced the National Extension Parent Education Model and led a discussion on the credentialing process, how it differs and how it is similar to the Family Support Credential. 

 

Officers and Committees:  Jean Fuller asked Wayne Matthews and C.J Edwards (and will call Sally Sloop) to serve on the Nominating Committee, which will present a new slate of officers at the next meeting on June 5.  Officers would take office in July.  Committees presented were:

 

Membership and Networking (Stephanie Moore) – newsletter distribution, membership information, board development and organization, etc.

Issues and Policy (Sheila Bazemore/Henry Helms) – connecting with legislators and spearheading state campaigns/ work closely with N.C. Child Advocacy

Credentialing Process (Karen DeBord)– Certification, looking to see what other states are doing (research and practice)

Outreach and Education (Cinda Wood Amen)  - Resources, getting information out/work closely with Membership and Networking Committee

Finance and Budget (Gina Wells) – Treasurer

 

Gina Wells reported that there is $118.56 in the NCPEN checking account.  She will get the cost of mailing newsletters in anticipating actual cost to those members who pay dues.

 

Next Meeting Date – June 5

Gina will check on the availability of the Conference Room at School Violence Office.

 

Newsletter Items Due Date – May 4

 

Cinda Wood Amen, Secretary