PACE Your Programs Denise Brandon Dena Wise Linda

PACE Your Programs Denise Brandon Dena Wise Linda K. Bower Becky Murray June Puett

UT Involvement in PACE • 3 year program • Funding for 3 years - $1. 2 million • Development of 80 hours + of curriculum and training of DHS staff and Families First facilitators • Continued support for trained facilitators • Unique partnership between FCS specialists and county faculty

Numbers involved in PACE In 2001 -2002: • 193 facilitators trained in PACE curriculum • 363 facilitator contacts at district follow-up training sessions • 130 facilitators certified in Level 1 • 110 facilitators certified in Level 2 for PACE certification

Numbers involved, cont. • Total numbers enrolled in PACE – 3023 • Number completing total program – 2208 • Qualified for a cash bonus of $100 – 925 which could mean a financial benefit of $92, 500

Did PACE make a difference? Kid Smart 3. 16 average self-reported level of knowledge before PACE class 4. 69 average self-reported level of knowledge after PACE class • 91% of total participants reported an increase in knowledge

Did PACE make a difference? (cont. ) • Money Wise 3. 12 average self-reported level of knowledge before PACE class 4. 69 average self-reported level of knowledge after PACE class • 73% of total participants reported an increase in their level of knowledge • $33, 972 in savings reported by 525 participants for an average of $61. 63 each.

Did PACE make a difference? (cont. ) • Based on reports of facilitators’ observations and perceptions: – 71% of customers increased their skill level – 61% reported new behaviors or adopting new practices by customers – Participants rating PACE classes worth their time: • 4. 64 out of 5 total points

Did PACE make a difference? (cont. ) • 618 Families First customers completed a practice change/behavior checklist with 40% or more reporting the adoption of the following practices as a result of PACE classes: • Money Wise – – – Used a spending plan Compared prices on food Talked with family members about money Saved money to buy something Talked with someone about jobs good for them

Did PACE make a difference? (cont. ) • Kid Smart – – – – – Used time out for child Used time out for parent Recognized or rewarded good behavior Used “I” messages with child Monitored children’s activities Did something to set a good example Checked home to make sure it was safe Used stress reduction tips Checked child care arrangements

PACE Facilitators share customers’ successes • One customer in my class was declared to be a "problem child" by DHS staff. She admitted that she and her preadolescent daughter had literally come to blows. She wanted to communicate without arguing but could not seem to be able to. The Kid Smart lessons particularly the "I Messages" and "Reflective Listening" has turned their relationship around. Feeling blessed, she told the whole class that her child was a "new child" and that she was a "new mom" too.

More PACE Success • Customers who have refused child-care and do not trust other people are extremely difficult to work with. In the past two years I have tried everything with these customers with little or no success until I was introduced to the PACE curriculum and what a difference this program has made for me and the people that I work with.

More PACE Success • PACE has been really enlightening on many issues. I never knew you could discipline your children in a positive way. Yet it makes sense -- using a more loving approach definitely gives better results. Disciplining with anger just gets an angry response out of children. Which ends in a never ending wave of anger

More PACE Success • I talked an eight month pregnant participant through the pros and cons of taking a check loan to purchase overpriced furniture using the Credit Matters curriculum. She eventually decided that she didn't need to incur additional debt during this time and that the interest on the check loan was 30% or $30 and all she needed to do was save $30 a month for two months to afford the down payment on the furniture.

PACE in 2002 -2003 Facilitators submitting evaluations: • Total enrolled – 228 • Number completing total program – 124 • Qualified for a cash bonus – 217 • Customers who: – Increased skill level – 117 – Reported new practices -- 137

Making a Difference Kid Smart – 153 participants 3. 55 average level of knowledge before PACE class 4. 84 average level of knowledge after PACE class Money Wise – 132 participants 3. 17 average level of knowledge before PACE class 4. 64 average level of knowledge after PACE class

Making a Difference • $4100. 15 reported by 48 participants for an average savings of $85. 42 • Rating the class worth their time: – 4. 34 out of 5 total points

Practice/Behavior Change checklist – 2002 -2003 • Kid Smart – 89 responses – – – Used time out for child Used natural or logical consequences Recognized or rewarded good behavior Grounded or took away privileges Used reflective listening Used “I” messages Monitored child’s activities Did something to set a good example Talked with child about problems Checked my home to be sure it is safe for child Used stress reduction tips Made safe, quality child care arrangements

Practice/Behavior Change checklist – 2002 -2003 • Money Wise – 96 responses – Used a spending plan – Compared prices at different businesses – Compared prices on food – Talked with family members about money – Saved money to buy something – Compared prices on clothing – Changed the way I clean or organize home – Talked with someone about good jobs

Certified PACE Facilitator

Kid Smart Modules Parenting and Child Development Managing Stress Communication Guidance Child Care Introduction & Ground Rules It’s About Time Learning to Listen No Two Children Are Alike Does My Child Really Need Child Care The Job of Being A Parent De-Stress Your Life Using “I” Messages Your Parenting Style What Kind of Child Care Arrangement is Best for me? How Does Your Child Grow? It’s All Under Control KISS Principle: Keep It Short and Simple Why Children Misbehave A Day in the Life of a Working Parent We All Need Someone to Lean On Take Time for Encouragement Setting Limits for Children Making a Successful Plan And Communicating with Provider Natural and Logical Consequences Choosing the Right Tools

Kid Smart Modules Parenting Adolescents Working with Schools Children’s Health Dealing with Crises Building Character Parenting Adolescents It’s A Matter of Style When Does My Child Need to go To the Doctor How to Deal with Bullying and Teasing Shaping Character Adolescent Development: What’s Happening? Many Ways to Be Smart Basic First Aid Every Parent Should Know Teaching Your Child About Grief and Death Teaching Kids to “Be Good” Guiding Adolescents Does My Child Have a Learning Disability? How Safe Is Your Home For Your Child? Be Prepared: Finding Help For Your Child in Crisis Blowing the Whistle On “Bad” Talking About Difficult Issues Getting Connected with Your Child’s School How Do I Get Tenn. Care Health Insurance for My Child? Kids, Clothes, Compromise Helping Children Learn at Home Helping Your Child Deal with School Transitions Cheerleaders for Good Behavior Super Model Me

Kid Smart Modules Teens as Parents Dealing with Transitions The Job of Being a Parent: The Legal Role Making the Transition from Dependency to Self-Sufficiency Will the Real Mother Please Stand Up? Resources for Transitions Stress and the Teen Parent Helping Your Child Through Difficult Transitions

Money Wise – Level 1 Money Wise Stretching Your Money Savers Spending Plan Buying a Car How We Talk & Think About Money Stretching Food & Clothing Dollars Ripoffs & Frauds – Getting Your Money’s Worth Reading Your Paycheck Stub & Developing a Spending Plan Leaning to Purchase A Used Care Setting Money Goals Food & Clothing Field Trip Furniture & Appliance Store Field Trip Using Checking & Savings Accounts Money Goals Cutting Down on Work Expenses & Help Family Talk About Money Field Trip To Bank

Money Wise Credit Matters Establishing, Using & Maintaining Credit Do You Know Your Consumer Rights? Understanding Your Credit Report How to Handle Credit Problems Charge It! Credit & Consequences Youth & Money Housing Renting A Home: Finding a Place To Live The Trip West: Team Gives to Gets! Renting a Home: Who Is Responsible For What? Get Ready to Shop! Renting a Home: Keeping It Clean & Safe Real Life Job Shadowing My Career Path Hope & Power TIRES: What Should I Consider? Introduction & Guidelines Your Rights to Financial Security & Independence The Trip West: Individual Players TIRES: Trends In the Workforce Skills Count Finding Help In Tennessee Amy’s Career Path TIRES: Interests Host’s Career Path Your Safe Box Amy’s Training Path TIRES: Relocation Help Wanted Are You in Serious Danger? TIRES: Education: Many Routes, One Destination TIRES: Salary TIRES: Charting My Career Path