SIG PARENT MENTOR PROGRAM There are presently 200 Parent Mentors in Arkansas. Most are parents of a child with special educational needs who are willng to share information with similar parents.  Parent Mentors can attend SIG developed trainings (see training descriptions below), along with all other parents, in the areas of literacy and positive behavior/social skills.  Parent Mentors receive a packet of materials with information and activities that can assist them in working with their own child in the areas of literacy and positive behavior/social skills. Parent Mentors may also receive a monthly email on various items such as upcoming trainings, support group meetings, and other general information.  Parent Mentors are encouraged to share this information with other parents in cooperation with their schools.   If you are interested in becoming a PARENT MENTOR, please contact Lou Kirkpatrick at ADC or email her at adclkirkpatrick@earthlink.net

STATEWIDE SIG PARENT TRAINERS ARE NEEDED What Is A State Improvement Grant SIG Parent Trainer? SIG Parent Trainers will be parents who have preschool or elementary-aged children attending an Arkansas public school.  We are especially interested in parents who have children with special education needs or who are experiencing behavioral difficulties at home or in school.  SIG Parent Trainers will be trained by Department of Education staff so that they can conduct their own parent trainings, typically in their child's school and/or school district.  SIG is looking for a total of 30 SIG Parent Trainers from all across the state. The first training will be in February, 2008. What Will A SIG Parent Trainer Do? SIG Parent Trainers will be trained to conduct one-hour parent training sessions - teaching parents ways to reinforce, in their own home, the literacy and positive discipline and behavior instuction that their  children are receiving at their school or preschool.  A SIG Parent Trainer will provide materials to the schools' Parent Centers, and may work with these schools' Parent Center Coordinator.  We will acknowledge the first two trainings conducted by SIG Parent Trainers through a $100 stipend for each training.  A maximum of $200 will be available to each Trainer per school year.  SIG Parent Trainers will sign a Letter of Agreement outlining all of these details.  Before becoming a SIG Parent Trainer, parent must attend and "pass" a one day "Train the SIG Parent Trainer" training. The first trainings were held February 6 and 8, 2008 and travel and meal expenses were paid (sorry- no overnight travel can be reimbursed).  During this training participants will learn how to present the two SIG parent trainings -- called  "Partners in Literacy" and "Partners in Positive Behavior".   Participants also will be provided all of the materials  they will need to conduct their own trainings and they will learn how to engage other parents in important activities that are related to literacy and positive behavior. For More Detailed Descriptions of These Two Trainings: Please See Below   Are you interested in becoming a SIG Parent Trainer? Would you like to work with other parents in your child's school, guiding them through one or both of our trainings? Are you interested in providing these trainings to other preschools in you area, or other schools in your district or region?    For More Information On SIG Parent Trainers Contact: Lou Kirkpatrick @ Arkansas Disability Coaliton, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite 225,     Little Rock, AR 72204. Phone 501.614.7020  E-mail  adclkirkpatrick@earthlink.net Lisa Haley, SIG Literacy Coordinator, 2402 Wildwood Ave. Suite 170,             Sherwood, AR 72120  Phone 501.835.5723  E-mail Lisa.Haley@arkansas.gov

SIG/SPDG Parent Trainings Available "Partners in Literacy” This one hour literacy workshop for parents provides easy but effective activities for parents to work with their child in the five essential elements of literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The activities presented will complement school activities and help parents understand what is being taught in their child’s school.    Handouts will be provided which include the research based effective activities presented in the training. The handouts are for parents of children  from birth through 8th grade and are for distribution to parents through schools’ Parent Centers, and from parent to parent thru the Parent Mentor Program. Internet access to these materials are also available at   http://arksped.k12.ar.us/  http://www.edpubs.org/webstore/content/SearchResults.asp?FormName=Top&id=EN ) .    “Partners in Positive Behavior” This one hour workshop for parents includes interpersonal, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills that parents can use with their child of preschool through late elementary ages to help them become more successful at home and at school. It also helps parents understand the positive behavior program that is being used in their child's school. “The Stop & Think Parenting Book: A Guide to Children’s Good Behavior,” a research based effective practices book, is the basis of discussion about skills, accountability (incentives and consequences) and consistency.  A portion of the accompanying DVD is also shown. The five steps used to teach each social skill are: "Stop and Think"; "Good Choice" or "Bad Choice"; What are the choices or steps? "Do It and Good Job".   Please contact Lou Kirkpatick at adclkirkpatrick@earthlink.net or 501.614.7020 if you would like her to present to parents at your school or for a support group.   Look in the Calendar section to find dates and locations of scheduled trainings!

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