Teenage Parenting Programs
Address: 1439 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 703-228-2700
Fax: 703-228-2720
Coordinators:
Diane Hunter, Family Education Center, diane.hunter@apsva.us
Marsha Jones-Byron, Alternatives for Parenting Teens, marsha.jonesbyron@apsva.us
Maria Eugenia Del Villar, Outreach for Parenting Teens & Young Fathers, maria.delvillar@apsva.us
Program hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. plus outreach sessions on Tuesdays, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Web Site: www.apsva.us/teenageparenting
Arlington Public Schools is committed to addressing the needs of pregnant and parenting teens through its Teenage Parenting Programs (TPP). The mission of TPP is to provide leadership for collaborative, comprehensive services in Arlington County to address the issues of adolescent pregnancy including educational needs, pregnancy prevention, teenage parenting, and healthy families. The Teenage Parenting Programs consist of the following four programs:
Throughout pregnancy and the early stages of parenthood, pregnant and parenting teens are able to attend the Family Education Center (FEC) and remain there the remainder of the school year. At the FEC, students continue their academic studies, are assisted in obtaining prenatal and childcare services, and learn parenting skills.
The Alternatives for Parenting Teens Program (APT), a collaborative program of APS and the Arlington Department of Human Services, serves young mothers and their children. While young mothers continue their academic studies, learn child development and parenting skills, and have access to comprehensive health services, their children are nurtured in the licensed APT Infant Care Center.
The Outreach for Parenting Teens Program (OPT) locates out-of-school pregnant and parenting teens, and facilitates their return to school or vocational training.
The Young Fathers Program (YFP) provides services to the partners of the teen mothers using bilingual, bicultural male staff. The goal is to prepare young fathers for successful fatherhood.
While each program differs in its approach, they all assist teens and young families in accomplishing the following program objectives:
Mothers remain in school and earn credit
High school graduation or receipt of GED
Healthy mothers (appropriate prenatal care)
Healthy babies (up-to-date immunizations)
Healthy relationships with fathers of babies
Postponing subsequent pregnancies until financially able
Demonstration of maturity, responsibility, self reliance, and self sufficiency
New knowledge and skills regarding child development and positive parenting
Contributing, responsible members of society
