Our program places a high value on education. It teaches that when a young parent reaches their educational goals, they will be more prepared to meet the social-emotional and physical needs of themselves and their child(ren).
We believe that the overall health of the young parent must be nurtured to achieve true family stability and resilience, including healthy relationships, mental health, parenting skills and confidence, and career goals. Individualized support in all domains is a core value, acknowledging that all students learn differently and will have their own parenting journey.
Program overview
The City of Lexington’s Parent Education Program partners with Fayette County Public Schools to provide high school education and social services intervention to young parents and expectant youth ages 13 – 20 years old. The Parent Education Program is a part of Family Services and housed in the Family Care Center along with several other programs serving families with young children.
While enrolled in the Parent Education Program, students will participate in parenting and life skills classes designed to prepare them for their future as a parent and provider for their family. Some of these classes include:
- Parenting
- Career/college readiness
- Healthy relationships
- Positive mental health
- Sexual health
- And a variety of seminars to increase awareness of and access to community resources and what they have to offer students and their families.
The Parent Education Program works closely with the FCC Early Child Care Program to support the mission of family stability and resilience. All students with children are required to enroll their children in the Early Child Care Program.
The City contracts with FCPS to provide daily bus transportation for Parent Education Program students and their children.
All students are “dually enrolled” in the FCC Parent Education Program and their FCPS districted high school. While enrolled in the program, students may still participate in extracurricular activities (sports, prom, clubs, etc.) at their districted high school.