Building Strength in Fathers Initiative

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

One of the many goals of the Federal Programs Department has been to generally increase parental involvement across the entire program, and specifically that of fathers. This effort resulted from a simple observance of an increased number of fathers registering preschool children in 2007 and 2008. There have also been more fathers serving on their District Parent Advisory Council, both as active participants and in leadership roles. For the past two years the initiative has put on Father/Child events which include evening or Saturday activities for children and fathers or other positive male role models to come together for an activity. These activities consist of a meal together, a craft of game activity, and positive, modeled conversation with staff members who have experience in working with children. Additionally, they have established their Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) program that promotes paternal pride of their hard-working children.