Parent Support
 

We offer case management to all participants in which First Wave Families staff will enter into a Family Partnership Agreement to address identified areas of growth that we can support. We welcome all families to join us for programs – participants will register for all programs through email or the website. Programs include, but are not limited to:

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• Parenting Groups – Circle of Security and Nurturing Parenting programs offered throughout the year

• TOT Talk – parent discussion group to share experiences and discuss topics to support each other in
  their parenting journey

• Chill, Create & Chat with therapists – Opportunities for parents to engage in social events to help them unwind and relax; includes crafting, puzzles/games, etc. Licensed therapists from Maple Shade lead the group and are available to talk with parents.

• Nutrition and Healthy Cooking classes – helping parents to incorporate more nutritional items into daily meals and snacks.

• Drop In Days – opportunities for parents to work on self-paced classes, online work, and other tasks

• Book Club – parent led discussions about books/articles that interest and inspire

• MomCo (formerly known as MOPS) – community gathering of moms to support and encourage
  each other

• Childcare is available during all programs

Child Development Program
 

In our Child Development Classrooms, we offer individual and developmentally appropriate activities for
children birth to five in alignment with the Creative Curriculum series which is an MSDE approved preschool
curriculum that supports development in all domains of learning. We use Teaching Strategies Gold as the
approved developmental assessment tool for both classrooms. Parent and Child Activities (PACT) are
completed daily to give parents and children the opportunity to strengthen their relationship.

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• Developmental Screenings- using ASQ, ASQ-SE

• Parent and Child Together Activities (PACT)

• Family Fun Events

• Field trips

Community Outreach & Education
 

First Wave Families staff will host a variety of parent workshops and family events within Somerset County. These events provide opportunities for parent engagement and education in the evenings and extend our services beyond the center.

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• Parent Workshops – partnering with the Judy Center, FWF will host various parent
  education workshops at local elementary schools throughout the year

• Parent Socialization – FWF will provide opportunities for parents and children to socialize and
  participate in local activities together to support social and emotional health. FWF will sponsor
  these activities and provide transportation as needed.

• Partner Events – FWF will partner with other local agencies to participate in their events andfacilitate relationships for our families to take advantage of all local resources