Components of Parent Leadership

Parent leadership looks different to different people. Smart Start Colorado (SSC) honors all parents at whatever level of leadership they bring with them. The path to leadership is an individual journey. SSC CARES about parents and families and their individual needs. SSC does this by encouraging parents & families to learn more about themselves, their child(ren) and their communities.

The following is a list of steps along the journey toward parent leadership

Connected
Parent and family engagement means being connected. A basic human need is to feel a sense of belonging. Being connected is the first step to belonging. Feeling connected to our own dreams, the needs of our family and to our community as a whole gives us a foundation to build our strength. Smart Start Colorado offers opportunities for you to feel connected at all of these levels. SSC connects you to trainings, resources and other families just like you.

Active
Parent and family engagement means being active. Participating in your child's interests, your family culture, as well as in your community, all contribute to a better quality of life. When you are involved you become part of the decision making process which will likely lead to positive results. The entire community benefits from various perspectives, which comes from parent and family involvement. Being involved means making a difference.

Resourceful
Parent and family engagement means being resourceful. Drawing upon personal strengths, knowing what's available, and getting help where help is available, is what being resourceful looks like. Smart Start Colorado is a connection point for resources throughout the state addressing the needs of all children birth to age eight. Resources can include trainings, childcare, therapies, special programs and other forms of parent support. Being resourceful means opening the door to possibilities.

Educated
Parent and family engagement means being knowledgeable. As a parent you are your child's first teacher and are most familiar with your child's strengths. We learn from our experiences, which are the life lessons we draw upon as we move toward the future. Education both formal and informal is vital to your child's growth and development. Everyday offers a new opportunity for learning. SSC values the perspective and experience of each parent brings. SSC provides links to a wide variety of parent leadership, training, and education opportunities. Education, in any form, means using what you learn and experience to benefit your child, family and community.

Supported
Parent and family engagement happens when individuals feel supported. Families today are faced with many complex challenges, especially when raising young children. Dreams can be attained when families are supported and have a strong foundation. SSC recognizes the need to support all parents and families. Being supported is when you have people, places, or things to you can rely upon when needed.

Supported families are connected, active, resourceful, and knowledgeable. SSC CARES about families and recognizes that the early childhood care and education system is not complete without the influence of parents.

Contact Jen Vasquez, at 303.691.9339 x39 or jen@familyvoicesco.org. And read these websites for some more information:

• The Colorado Children's Trust Fund
• Invest In Kids
• Health Care Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs
• Family Voices of Colorado
  Family Voices of Colorado is a chapter of the national, grassroots organization composed of families and friends who care for and about our children with special health care needs. The primary goal of the organization is to ensure that our children's health is addressed amidst change in public and private health care systems.
• Parent to Parent of Colorado
  Parent to Parent of Colorado (P2P-CO) is a parent initiated, parent controlled, organized group that builds inclusive communities, takes effective and constructive group action, and supports each other on the journey of parenting our sons and daughters with special health care needs or disabilities.
• Empower Colorado
  A nonprofit organization created by parents and families to provide Support, Education and Advocacy for families of children with mental or emotional health issues, also referred to as Brain Disorders. Brain Disorders are neurobiological or biological disorders in the brain. Below we have a list of some of the most common Brain Disorders.
• PEAK Parent Center
  PEAK is a statewide organization of parents of children with disabilities reaching out to assist other parents and professionals. PEAK Parent Center provides training, information, and technical assistance to equip parents with strategies to advocate successfully for their children with disabilities.
• Colorado Parent Coalition
  The Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC) was formed in 1980 by a group of parents and educators who came together to begin coordinated advocacy efforts for parents to become more informed about and more involved in the education of their children.