Parent to Parent Support (continued)

If you are really interested in starting your own local program, be aware that existing Parent to Parent groups have a wealth of "how-to" help and advice. Many have excellent information and training materials available. Be sure to contact the programs in your state. Let them know your plan, and see if they have any materials they'd be willing to share. We've also listed some useful materials under "Resources" below. Starting up and operating a Parent to Parent program involves a lot of work, but as participating parents can tell you, it's worth it!

References

Boukydis, C. F. (1984). The importance of parenting networks. Paper presented at Parent Care Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.

Singer, G.H.S., Marquis, J., Powers, L., Blanchard, L., DiVenere, N., Santelli, B., & Sharp, M. (1999). A multi-site evaluation of Parent to Parent programs for parents of children with disabilities. Journal of Early Intervention, 22(3), 217-229.

Summers, J.A., Dell'Oliver, C., Turnbull, A., Benson, H., Santelli, E., Campbell, M., & Siegel Causey, E. (1990). Examining the individualized family service plan process: What are family and practitioner preferences? Early Childhood Special Education, 10(l), 78-99.

Resources

Beach Center on Disability. (1998). How to begin your own Parent to Parent program. Lawrence, KS: Author. (Available on-line at: www.beachcenter.org/files/PTP-FS-001.pdf)

Santelli, B., Poyadue, F.S., & Young, L.Y. (2001). The Parent to Parent handbook: Connecting families of children with special needs. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Available from Paul H. Brookes Publishing, P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624. Telephone: 1-800-638-3775. Web: www.brookespublishing.com)