Family Support

Sheltering Arms is different from similar early childhood programs because it comprehensively addresses the needs of the child. Sheltering Arms partners with families and communities to ensure children are nurtured and supported at home, at school, and in their neighborhood. Family Support Coordinators are available at each center to help parents identify their assets and goals and then link parents with needed resources to achieve those goals. Parenting workshops, one-on-one counseling, GED or ESL classes, and presentations on affordable health care or home buying are a few examples of what Sheltering Arms offers to parents. The Parent Leadership Organization, regular parent/teacher conferences, and family-friendly events at each center help parents to develop the lifelong habit of being involved in their child’s education. Family Support is seen as the responsibility of all staff, teachers included. As their children’s first and most important teacher, parents are involved partners every day in the classroom 

Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP):  Together with the Doris Duke Foundation, in 2003 CSSP recognized Sheltering Arms as one of 21 programs in the nation that provide exemplary models of how early childhood programs can help detect and prevent child abuse and neglect.  Sheltering Arms was also selected to provide technical assistance to 7 states which are piloting the techniques developed through CSSP's research.  Currently, Sheltering Arms is helping disseminate the best practices outlined in CSSP's Strengthening Families approach throughout Georgia through the Sheltering Arms Georgia Training Institute.

Family Development Credential:  Sheltering Arms has been chosen by Cornell University to be the lead agency in Georgia for Cornell's Family Development Credential and Training Program.

Center for Child Well-Being:  Sheltering Arms partnered with the Center in the development of a parental guidance program, "Parenting in the Real World."  With funding from Healthcare Georgia Foundation, Sheltering Arms and the Center for Child Well-Being are also demonstrating the role early childhood programs can play in promoting family health and access to health insurance and services.

All Pro Dad:  Research has proven the value of a father's involvement in the life of his young child.  Since 60% of Sheltering Arms children are growing up in a single parent household, Sheltering Arms has made male involvement a strong priority.  Men work at all levels of the organization, as teachers, center directors, and senior management.  Fathers, uncles, grandfathers, big brothers, and other male friends and family are involved in All Pro Dad chapters at each Sheltering Arms center.  These groups bring men together with other fathers and their children for fun activities and parenting support.

Promoting Healthy Choices:  The National Act Against Violence training program is integrated into our family support services, and Sheltering Arms has worked with the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee to inform legislators and policy makers on breastfeeding in child care centers.

Parent Feedback:  Every year Sheltering Arms conducts a detailed survey to obtain feedback from our parents and families.  Last year:

68% of parents reported their parenting skills had improved since enrolling their children at Sheltering Arms

84% of parents reported they improved their ability to balance work and family responsibilities

94% of parents were involved on a regular basis in center activities, including Parent Leadership Organization meetings, classroom volunteering, and parent/teacher conferences

97% reported they are satisfied with the program

Parent Comments
"Activities like Donuts for Dads brought me to meet my daughter's teachers and see where she goes to school.  I am impressed that the center cares about doing something for the dads and it made my daughter feel great."

"I attended Sweetwater’s 2nd grade awards and the top 3 Accelerated Readers were former Sheltering Arms kids. It is awesome to witness their academic progress and I owe it all to Sheltering Arms."

"I feel lucky to have such well-trained and experienced teachers as part of the 'team' that is raising my children. I can’t imagine how much more difficult parenting would be without that resource. When I have questions about the best way to parent my child, or need a little reassurance that my instincts are correct, the teachers are a great sounding board. And through them I learn a lot of new things about how I can challenge my kids that I might not have come up with on my own."

"I did a lot of research before my child became a part of the Sheltering Arms family. They were the best in all areas I looked for: safety, the curriculum, learning environment, and professionalism. They excelled in every area. I feel comfortable leaving my child there, and I’m proud to say my research paid off."

"…(Our Sheltering Arms Family Support Coordinator) has given me the confidence of knowing that my family has chosen the correct organization and that as a parent, my thoughts and concerns have merit and validity, that we are not pushed under the rug. She was the perfect example of caring…"

"No amount of money could have ever paid for the care and concern the staff continue to show my child. In a world where so many bad things can happen, I’m glad there is a Sheltering Arms where a child like mine can experience all of the many beautiful things the center has to offer."

"As a working single mom it comforts me to know that the people who are watching my child really care. The communication between the teachers and me is excellent. They keep me updated on my son's accomplishments and concerns."