The Padres program is a parenting education and support program offered in Spanish to Latino parents in the Twin Cities metro area. Weekly parenting education and support groups use a culturally specific curriculum that is based on solid parenting education research both at the local and national levels. The program helps Latino parents learn positive parenting techniques that improve their parenting skills and abilities. La Oportunidad provides parents with tools to navigate their children’s educational system. Through community workshops, visibility in the media, peer parent mentors, individual referrals and guidance, and assistance in parent-teacher conferences, La Oportunidad facilitates parental involvement to encourage children’s educational success.

A Padres Story:
Jose, a 28 year-old client, is the father of one girl. He began the Latinos Ending Abuse Program (LEAP) group this year after being mandated by the court to complete it. In the beginning, his attitude in the group was very negative; however, with time, attention and his own dedication, he became more responsible and positive, even helping new group members to understand and reflect on their actions. Jose successfully completed the 15-session group, after which he voluntarily enrolled in the Padres parenting program. He continues to attend Padres classes, maintaining very positive participation. Jose’s successful completion of LEAP and his participation in Padres is just one example of the positive and cumulative impact programs have on participants.

Program Topics Include:

• Parental involvement in children’s education
• Parenting to your child’s style of learning
• Child development: social, emotional, intellectual, physical
• Positive discipline: cooperation vs. opposition
• How to establish healthy family communication
• Setting goals, discussing consequences and establishing realistic expectations
• How abuse affects children: anger and stress management
• Laws that protect children in Minnesota
• First aid, nutrition, safety and care
• Immigrant families and the adaptation process
• Mental health/community resources
• Financial literacy