Session 1
I Am My Chid’s First Teacher; Our Home, My Child’s First School
“Chip off the old block”

This is the introduction of Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors curriculum, goals, and objectives. Parents are introduced to the concepts of being their child’s first teacher and the home as their child’s first school. The importance of parent engagement in their child’s education and parental leadership is also discussed.

Session 2
Reaching Family Success
“Actions speak Louder than words”

This session focuses on how parents take on the role of leaders in the home by practicing family values, establishing good communication, employing positive discipline, goal setting, and achieving a family action plan. During this session, parents learn how to take advantage of everyday opportunities to cultivate the healthy growth of their children and families.

Session 3
My Child Grows
“What begins well, ends well”
 
In this session, parents will learn that they have a fundamental role in their children’s development and will increase their capacity to also respond to their children’s needs by knowing child development milestones. The facilitator will present existing resources and services in the local community for the early detection and support of children with special needs.

Session 4
My Child Talks
“You never forget what you learn well”

In this session, parents will explore how their child’s language develops. Also, parent’s critical role in the language development of their children and the advantages of bilingualism will be discussed.

 Session 5
Let’s Continue Opening Doors
"Knowledge is power”

In this session, parents will gain awareness of the importance of reading to their children at an early age. On a trip to the local library, parents will apply for library cards, become familiar with valuable resources in their community, discuss the importance of reading, and learn about filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

 Session 6
Our Health is First. Part I
“Better safe than sorry”

In this session, parents will learn the importance of balanced nutrition and exercise. They will find out how to promote healthy habits in their home and learn about health programs available in their local community.

Session 7
Our Health is First. Part ii
“Each mind is a universe unto itself”

In this session, parents will explore ways of taking care of their own mental and emotional well-being, as well as their child’s well being. The facilitator will also share ideas of how a parent can take the lead in their child’s healthy socioemotional development.

Session 8
Let’s Go to School
“If you don’t look forward, you stay behind”

In this session, parents will understand that choosing a child care or an earlyeducation program is an important decision in their child’s life. Parents will not only learn how to choose a quality preschool in their community, but also how to communicate with a child care provider or an early education teacher. In addition, the benefits of a preschool education will be explored.

 Session 9
Advocating
“There is no worse struggle than the one never waged”

In this session, parents will discuss their rights and responsibilities in the public education system and the process to change policies. Also, parents will examine leadership and advocacy skills to solve problems and challenges in a variety of community settings.

Session 10
“Success knows no bounds”

This session is a very special celebration where parents will give testimony about what positive changes they are making in their homes, schools, and community. Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors will honor each participant with a certificate for their participation, recognizing their commitment to lead and advocate on behalf of children.