March 2, 1999

Morning Session I: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

(A-1) "Supporting Parents In Crisis" –
Ann Bauer, Assistant Professor, Arkansas State University

Ann Bauer will share information in this workshop from both the head and heart about ways to talk to parents in pain. Research based information on the effects of trauma will be discussed as well as personal experience. Participants will leave with practical tips and sources for further information.

(A-2) "Early Childhood Prevention Issues"
Julianne Honey, CPC, Central Arkansas Substance Abuse Programs, Inc.

This workshop will cover background, current trends, personal approaches, and a broad view of the field of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse prevention as it relates to the pre-school population and their families.

(A-3)"Juvenile Violence. The Courts and Its Resources"
Honorable Gary Arnold, Circuit/Chancery Judge Juvenile Division, Seventh Judicial District of Arkansas

This workshop will explore the role of the courts in curbing juvenile and family violence. An overview of the Parenting and Conflict Management Training Program that serves as a resource for the Juvenile Court in Saline County will be presented.

(A-4) "Cultural Issues Around Discipline"
Stacy Blacknall

Are you having difficulty defining your individual parenting style? Your decisions may be influenced by your age, race, the geographical region where you were born or currently reside, your worship style, or the order in which you were born. In addition, issues can be further complicated by the self-help aisle of your favorite bookstore, or the wealth if information available via the World Wide Web. This workshop will help you develop a positive parenting plan.

(A-5) "Working With Parents of Children with ADHD" 
Mark Edwards, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s’ Hospital

This workshop will review the characteristics of families with children that have been diagnosed with ADHD. Discussion will include intervention needs and strategies.

(A-6) "What Kids Know and Parents Don’t: Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll", Hayes Miller, BSE, CPC, Prevention Consultant & Nikeba Davis BS, CHES, Prevention Specialist, Family Service Agency

This workshop will explore many of the myths and misconceptions parents and youth have about each other. Participants will explore school, family, and community negative influential behaviors. Participants will review prevention techniques, with an emphasis on teens.

Afternoon Session II: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

(B-1) "Supporting Parents In Crisis"
Ann Bauer, Assistant Professor, Arkansas State University, (Repeat)

(B-2) "The Effectiveness of Newborn Home Visiting Programs"
Sherri Jo McLemore, Arkansas Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention

This workshop will provide an overview of available research on newborn home visiting programs and look at the status of newborn home visiting in Arkansas.

(B-3) "CONNECTING THE LINKS: Through the Teenage Years"
E. Dee Austin, Ed. S., Parent Educator
Center for Effective Parenting

Dee will critique three curriculums designed for parenting teenagers. A handout on each curriculum will provide information pertaining to strengths, weaknesses, targeted audiences, training needed and cost. Dee will preview excerpts for you from all three and answer questions. All materials will be displayed along with addresses, phone numbers and other useful information.

(B-4) "Proving the Results"
Beverly Miller, Evaluation Coordinator, Witness Project

Too often program planners believe that their program is making a difference, but they have no proof. Additionally, funders are now requesting either evidence or the potential of effectiveness in program design. This workshop will offer introductory guidelines on measurements of effectiveness. Including basic model designs and tips on how to include evaluation in your overall planning.

(B-5) "Strengthening Blended Families"
Mary Ann Trulock, Service Administer, The Parent Center, Centers for Youth & Families

This workshop will explore blended family life. Blended families will not and cannot function as does and original family. They have their own special dynamics and behaviors. Once learned, these behaviors can become predictable and positive. Parent Educators can strengthen blended families so that pitfalls can become potentials and obstacles can become opportunities. Resources and skills for facilitating blended family groups will also be presented.

(B-6) "The Importance of Learning Styles in Teaching Parenting Skills"
Dr. Nick Long, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UAMS/ACH

This workshop will address how different learning styles can impact the effectiveness of various parenting education approaches. Participants will complete a learning style questionnaire to access their own learning style. The influences of a parenting educator’s own learning style on their approach to parenting education will be discussed.

This workshop will explore the challenges in cross-cultural parenting education. Information presented will be based on documented research, informal surveys of Hispanic families from different communities in Arkansas and my personal experiences in working with Hispanic families. We will discuss the cultural barriers to effective parenting education programs and effective ways of bridging the cultures.

AR State Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters, Barbara Gilkey, State Director HIPPY Program

Arkansas Parents As Teachers (PAT) Program, Shirley Mitchell-Wesley, Parent Educator Support Specialist, Arkansas River Education Services Cooperative

Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation Program, Cherry Morris, BSN, RN, UAMS, Department of Pediatrics

Project Focus, Stephanie Wiles, Huntsville Public Schools