Beginning Education Early: Strengthening Rural Alabama Families
An Effective Practice
Description
BEE Program educators work with geographically isolated, limited resource families with at least one child age 2-5. The child takes part in hands-on developmentally appropriate activities and projects with the early childhood educator, while the parent discusses with the parent educator information on parenting that prepares young children to learn.
Goal / Mission
The BEE Program seeks to strengthen parents' abilities to provide the physical and emotional support necessary for children's healthy growth and development by giving them otherwise unavailable access to parenting and early childhood education.
Results / Accomplishments
A total of 38 parents and 38 children received direct services from the BEE program. Results from pre- and post-test interviews indicate that 97% reported increases in their knowledge about how to help their children develop. In open-ended questions, 97% were able to verbally describe specific ways in which their relationships with their children had been positively influenced by the program. For example, parents described increased involvement, attention, or affection (63%); understanding (21%); and fostering school readiness skills (16%).
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Children, Youth, and Families At Risk Program
Primary Contact
Ellen Abell
eabell@aces.edu
eabell@aces.edu
Topics
Education / Childcare & Early Childhood Education
Organization(s)
Children, Youth, and Families At Risk Program
Date of publication
11/21/2001
Geographic Type
Rural
Location
Choctaw County, AL
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Families