Virginia Statewide Parent Education Coalition (VSPEC) - Virginia Statewide Parent Coalition

In 2005, the Virginia Department of Health and Prevent Child Abuse Virginia organized VSPEC as part of the Virginia Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (VECCS) state plan through the Maternal Child Health Bureau. VSPEC consists of state and community stakeholders and service providers who work together to support a shared vision, mission, and core values. The coalition works to identify gaps in parent education and strengthen families’ services.

VISION – All children are in a safe and healthy family.

MISSION: To advocate for and ensure that all caregivers and professionals have access to quality parent education, information services and support necessary to raise healthy families.

Introducing the VSPEC Parent Education Toolkit

Virginia Parent Education Coalition Toolkit

The Parent Education Referral Toolkit is designed for judges, court services staff, guardians ad litem, commonwealth attorneys, probation officers, local departments of social services, and others who refer families to parent education programs. The toolkit’s purpose is to enhance understanding of the variations in the types and levels of parent education programs available and to assist in making appropriate referrals based on the best fit between the needs of families and the focus and design of the program.

The toolkit defines three levels of parenting education and describes the population served and the recommended expertise of the educators providing the service. VSPEC wants to ensure you refer families to the right level.

Download or view the above toolkit, which features the following topics:

Overview of Parent Education
Characteristics of Effective Parent Education Programs
Risk and Protective Factors
Trauma-Informed Care

To request additional information or to provide feedback on the toolkit, please contact: jmcadam@familiesforwardva.org

Learn More at VSPEC familiesforwardva.org