Category: News

NEW INITIATIVE – Sponsored training in the Early Years Programme – apply today!

‘Supporting the Early Years’ – Parents Plus Early Years Programme  – Sponsored roll-out

Call for Applications 2019!

Supporting early years service providers in delivering evidence based parenting support

Parents Plus invites applications from providers of early years services in the 3- 6 age group, including pre-schools, primary schools, primary care, family support services etc. to participate in an exciting new initiative involving the roll out of the Parents Plus Early Years Programme (PPEY).

What will you gain from participating?

Learn how to: 

  • Help children be emotionally ready for the transition to school and to settle once they are there.
  • Engage positively with the parents who attend your service, preschool or school.
  • Solve behaviour problems collaboratively with parents.
  • Learn to deliver an evidence-based programme in your service with proven benefits for children.
  • Transform your practice by engaging in skills development, mentoring and supervision.

Successful applications will gain sponsored training, a full set of programme materials and individual support to deliver the Parents Plus Early Years Programme within their service.

Joint applications are encouraged from pre-schools and primary schools or small consortia of agencies working in partnership with one another that might include services such as, public health nursing, primary care, family support services etc.

A training cost of € 250 per practitioner is paid in advance by the service/school, this is reimbursed when two groups have been run in the 18 months following training. See below for further details.

Note: The parent groups are co-facilitated therefore a minimum of two facilitators need to be trained in order to deliver the programme.

Project Rationale

There is agreement across practice and policy that children are shaped by their early childhood experiences and that this is a crucial time to provide support to parents to help develop connected responsive relationships with their children.  The recently launched ‘First 5 Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028’ confirms a strong commitment to increasing access to parenting supports for families. In line with this, the focus of the Parents Plus Early Years Programme is to support parents and carers to increase their skills in positively engaging with their children, tuning in to their child’s needs and responding effectively. The PPEY has a strong evidence base showing a positive impact for families who attend the programmes in terms of improved behaviour as a result of positive behaviour management strategies, a reduction in parents’ own stress levels and an overall increase in their feelings of satisfaction as parents. Effective implementation is as important to the success of a programme as the evidence that it works, therefore implementation support, from Parents Plus to participating services, is a strong feature of this project.

Here is a link to the Parents Plus Early Years Programme research.

This project aims to:

  1. Increase access to evidence-based programmes for parents of children in the 3-6 age group.
  2. Help early years professionals to develop their skills in running parent programmes and engaging with parents in a strengths based way.
  3. Offer tailored implementation support to participating services (principals, managers and participating staff).
  4. Evaluate the practice impact of the project for professionals and services taking part.

What is included in the sponsorship?

Training and a support package includes:

  1. Training for a minimum of 2 facilitators in the Parents Plus Early Years programme (3 days, dates below).
  2. A full set of programme materials including facilitator manual, DVD, and PPEY Parent Booklets for the delivery of a minimum of two groups in the 18 months post training.
  3.  Supervision and Implementation support to practitioners, coordinators and managers in getting PP groups off the ground in their agencies, including some sponsored access to the Parents Plus Accreditation process

For successful applicants, a training cost of € 250 per practitioner is paid in advance by the service/pre-school/primary school. This amount will be reimbursed once two groups have been run in the 18 months following training.

There will be some support for covering substitution costs in particular for pre-schools where staff are running the groups outside of their normal roles.

The sponsorship package total value:

  • PPEY Training €430
  • Programme materials (DVD, Manual, Books) €300
  • Supervision and implementation support (follow-up training workshop, supervision sessions) €180
  • Substitution cover where needed (TBA according to service context)

The project is funded by the Parents Plus Charity.

What commitment is expected from the facilitators/agency?

If you are successful in your application to join this project the commitment is:

  1. Engagement in pre-training implementation meeting as part of the shortlisting process.
  2. Managers and participating staff to attend a half-day planning and implementation support workshop.
  3. Support a minimum of two staff to attend training and participate in the research element of the project.
  4. Staff to run a minimum of two groups in their service in the 18 months post training.

Time line

  • February 2019 – Call for applications
  • March 4th – Closing date for applications
  • March – April – Evaluation of shortlisted proposals (this will include meeting with the applicant group and assessing readiness for implementation).
  • May – selection of successful applicants.
  • June 12th , 9.30am to 1 pm – The Ashling Hotel, Dublin – Project launch, followed by a planning and implementation session for managers and practitioners.
  • September 11th and 12th (2 days) – Early Years Programme Training.
  • First groups to begin in Oct. 2019 and individual supervision sessions with practitioners to take place by phone/Skype.
  • Late Nov. 2019 (date to be arranged) – 1 Day Practice/Skills Development Training.
  • 2020 – second round of groups to begin & individual supervision sessions to practitioners by phone/Skype.

Selection Criteria

Priority will be given to applications who have some or all of the following attributes:

  1. The applicants group are a multi-agency consortium who have established links of working together to deliver family interventions.
  2. Some members of the consortium have previous experience of delivering the Parents Plus Programmes.
  3. There is buy in for the project at a senior level in the participating agencies and a clear vision for developing parenting supports.
  4. Identification of target group and locations of parenting groups.
  5. Identification of who the facilitators will be and evidence of commitment of their hosting agencies to support the project.
  6. Identification of a local project coordinator from one of the applicant agencies who can manage the project in partnership with Parents Plus

Research

Parents Plus are interested in evaluating what the impact of this programme training, mentoring and support is on your practice and how you deliver your service and what the outcomes are for your parents attending. The main research questions being addressed are:

  1. What specific impacts does the PP training, supervision and support around practice development have on how you engage with parents and deliver your service?
  2. In what way do practitioners feel empowered by using this strengths based approach with parents?
  3. How does the programme impact on parents who attend?

The research element of this project will involve participating professionals completing surveys/questionnaires on their practice development, participating in a skills development workshop, taking part in a phone interview. The service may also be asked to recruit some parents who attend your groups to participate in a phone interview on the impact of the programme. The research is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Psychology, TCD.

Application and further information

To apply please complete the application form here by the closing date which is close of business on Monday, 4th March 2019. 

Applications should be emailed as word documents/.PDF’s to eileen@parentsplus.ie and a hard copy with the appropriate signatures should be posted to:

Parents Plus, Mater Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin D07 AX57.

For informal queries regarding the project, please email with your questions and include a contact phone number to eileen@parentsplus.ie.

If you have a colleague who you think might be interested in this project, please pass on this information. You will also find a flyer here which can be downloaded.

Free Advanced Practice Workshop for facilitators in 2019

Parents Plus are inviting PP Facilitators to a FREE Advanced Practice Workshop in 2019 to cater specifically for more experienced facilitators.

The workshop will focus on further developing group facilitation skills, effective programme set-up and delivery, managing challenges, and strengths based engagement with parents.

  • When is the workshop: Thursday, 21st March 2019 – 1.30pm – 4pm
  • Location: ClareCare, Harmony Row, Ennis, Co Clare
  • Cost: Free to attend for PP Facilitators

To book a place on this Advanced Practice Workshop, book online below under additional training.

If you’ve any other queries about this workshop, please email eileen@parentsplus.ie 

Order Parent Booklets

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Alternatively, you can checkout at any time using the basket top right of the screen.

Book Now – Group Supervision Training coming up

Order Parent Booklets

Once you have added all your purchases to the basket please proceed to the checkout.
Alternatively, you can checkout at any time using the basket top right of the screen.

 

Group supervision training sessions are a great opportunity for you to meet with your colleagues, reflect on your experiences of running Parents Plus groups thus far, and access support to improve your practice.

The goals of the workshops are to:

  • Support facilitators to get PP groups up and running in their services
  • Support programme delivery
  • Consult on specific challenges/group facilitation skills
  • Provide information on the Parents Plus Accreditation process

Become a Parents Plus Champion Facilitator in 2019

In order to recognise the many facilitators and agencies who continue to deliver the Parent Plus programmes in a sustained quality way, Parents Plus are identifying a number of ‘champion’ facilitators, who will be eligible for extra support and supervision, as well as reduced cost training and programme materials.

Details about how to apply to become a Champion Facilitator are below.

Benefits of becoming a Parents Plus Champion

  • Receive extra support and supervision from Parents Plus Trainers to deliver your services to families.
  • Access to lower cost programme booklets, supervision and additional training.
  • Be eligible to apply for a discount on Parents Plus training for colleagues in your agency (who are going to co-facilitate groups).
  • Be recognised as delivering a quality service in your community.
  • Receive a special certificate from Parents Plus to recognise your champion status for the year you receive it.

Discounts for Parents Plus Champions

  • 1 free supervision session annually
  • 25 % discount on Parent booklets
  • 25% discount on additional Parents Plus training
  • 25% discount on facilitator training for colleagues in your agency who can act as co-facilitators
  • Discounts are available for the duration of champion status (e.g. 1/1/2019 – 31/12/2019)
  • Parents Plus reserve the right to vary discount rates at any point.

Criteria for becoming a Parents Plus champion

To become a champion facilitator you need to be:

  • Delivering one of the Parents Plus programmes at least two times a year.
  • Following the Parents Plus Quality Protocol as you deliver the programmes.
  • Be an accredited facilitator or be working towards accreditation.
  • Have run a Parents Plus programme at least twice in the preceding 18 months and have plans to run one twice in the next 18 months.
  • Be prepared to return to Parents Plus audit data on groups run (e.g. anonymised parent course review forms at the end of each group).
  • Have the full support of management in your agency re: becoming a Parents Plus Champion Facilitator.
  • Be prepared for you and your agency to be identified as a Parents Plus Champion on the Parents Plus website and within our social media communications.

Other Information

  • Parents Plus invite joint applications from co-facilitators in an agency delivering groups together, though individual applications will be considered also.
  • Champion status is awarded on a yearly basis and it can be renewed annually, once the facilitator(s) continues to meet the criteria above.
  • You are eligible to apply if you are working within an agency that has open referral for families (e.g. advertised to the public) and within specialist agencies with internal referral only (e.g. CAMHS and disability settings).

Application Process

To apply to become a Champion Facilitator 2019 please complete the short application form HERE and email it to siobhan@parentsplus.ie

The closing date for applications for the coming year is Thursday, 30th January 2019.

 

 

Free Supervision Offer for Trained Facilitators in the Parents Plus Programmes

We are always delighted to keep in touch with facilitators and hear about how the groups are going, the things that are working well and any of the challenges. We would like to support you in continuing to run good quality groups for parents and young people attending your service. Over the next period (until the end of Feb. 2019), we are offering free Supervision Sessions by phone or Skype/Facetime/Zoom.

These supervision sessions are available to individual facilitators, co-facilitating pairs or small groups of practitioners delivering the PP programmes within a service. You may be running or have recently run a group, or you and your colleagues may be aiming to get Parents Plus off the ground again in your service, or you may be a newly trained facilitator wanting support in getting started.

The PP Supervision Session focuses on helping practitioners:

  • Develop skills in effective programme delivery
  • Recruit participants for your groups and keep them coming each week
  • Develop a reflective practice approach
  • Improve group facilitation skills
  • Deal well with challenges
  • Use participant feedback effectively
  • Problem-solve any issues arising from the groups

To apply to avail of one of these free Supervision Sessions please email Eileen Brosnan at eileen@parentsplus.ie asap with the below details.

If you are applying on behalf of yourself and a co-facilitator or small group in your agency please include all names. We will then get in touch to arrange a suitable time-slot for you. These slots are limited, so we would encourage you to get in touch soon to secure a session.

Name:
Contact number:
Email:
Agency/service:
Which PP programmes are you trained in?

How many groups have you run so far since you were trained?

Are you currently running a programme? Give details of programme, start and finish dates, numbers etc.

What is your main goal for the Supervision Session?

Book Parents Plus Programme Training for 2019

Bookings are now taking place for the Parents Plus programme trainings in 2019.

You can book below for the programme that you are interested in.

Parents Plus Early Years Programme (PPEY)

A parenting course to promote confidence, learning and positive behaviour in children aged 1 to 6 years.
3-day Training and Programme Materials – €730
3-day Training Place only (for those who wish to re-use previously purchased Programme Materials or are sharing one set of Programme Materials with another trainee) – €430
Parent Booklets – pack of 15 parent booklets that can be used afterwards with parents groups and includes worksheets and handouts – €120

Facilitator Materials

You may only purchase programme materials without training if you are a facilitator who already has been trained or belong to an agency with staff already trained. Please provide the name of the trained facilitator below.

Facilitator Details

Approximate date in which the course was attended:

Order Parent Booklets

  • EY Parents Book
    EY Parent Booklets Pack (contains 15 booklets)
    € 120
    per pack
  • EY Programme Materials
    € 500
    per pack
Once you have added all your purchases to the basket please proceed to the checkout.
Alternatively, you can checkout at any time using the basket top right of the screen.

Parents Plus Children’s Programme (PPCP)

A parenting course to promote confidence, learning and positive behaviour in children aged 6 to 11 years.
3-day Training and Programme Materials – €730
3-day Training Place only (for those who wish to re-use previously purchased Programme Materials or are sharing one set of Programme Materials with another trainee) – €430
Parent Booklets – pack of 15 parent booklets that can be used afterwards with parents groups and includes worksheets and handouts – €120

Facilitator Materials

You may only purchase programme materials without training if you are a facilitator who already has been trained or belong to an agency with staff already trained. Please provide the name of the trained facilitator below.

Facilitator Details

Approximate date in which the course was attended:

Order Parent Booklets

  • CP Parents Book - cover 2016
    Childrens Programme Parent Booklets Pack (contains 15 booklets)
    € 120
    per pack
  • Children’s Programme Materials
    € 500
    per pack
Once you have added all your purchases to the basket please proceed to the checkout.
Alternatively, you can checkout at any time using the basket top right of the screen.

Parents Plus Adolescent’s Programme (PPAP)

A parenting course to promote effective communication and positive relationships in families with adolescents aged 11 to 16 years.
3-day Training and Programme Materials – €730
3-day Training Place only (for those who wish to re-use previously purchased Programme Materials or are sharing one set of Programme Materials with another trainee) – €430
Parent Booklets – pack of 15 parent booklets that can be used afterwards with parents groups and includes worksheets and handouts – €120

Facilitator Materials

You may only purchase programme materials without training if you are a facilitator who already has been trained or belong to an agency with staff already trained. Please provide the name of the trained facilitator below.

Facilitator Details

Approximate date in which the course was attended:

Order Parent Booklets

  • AP Parents Book - cover 2016
    Adolescent’s Programme Parent Booklets Pack (contains 15 booklets)
    € 120
    per pack
  • Adolescent’s Programme Materials
    € 500
    per pack
Once you have added all your purchases to the basket please proceed to the checkout.
Alternatively, you can checkout at any time using the basket top right of the screen.

Working Things Out Programme (WTO)

A CBT based youth mental health programme that can be used with small groups of adolescents to build coping capacity, promote positive emotional health and to support them in overcoming specific problems.
2-day Training and Programme Materials – €590
2-day Training Place only (for those who wish to re-use previously purchased Programme Materials or are sharing one set of Programme Materials with another trainee) – €290

Facilitator Materials

You may only purchase programme materials without training if you are a facilitator who already has been trained or belong to an agency with staff already trained. Please provide the name of the trained facilitator below.

Facilitator Details

Approximate date in which the course was attended:

Order Parent Booklets

  • Working Things Out Programme Materials
    € 500
    per pack
Once you have added all your purchases to the basket please proceed to the checkout.
Alternatively, you can checkout at any time using the basket top right of the screen.

Parents Plus – Parenting When Separated (PPPWS)

A practical and positive six-week course for parents who are preparing for, going through or have gone through a separation or divorce.
2-day Training and Programme Materials – €490 (facilitator manual and parent booklet only, no DVD with this programme)
2-day Training Place only (for those who wish to re-use previously purchased Programme Materials or are sharing one set of Programme Materials with another trainee) – €290
Parent Booklets –pack of 15 parent booklets that can be used in parents groups, includes worksheets and handouts – €120

Facilitator Materials

You may only purchase programme materials without training if you are a facilitator who already has been trained or belong to an agency with staff already trained. Please provide the name of the trained facilitator below.

Facilitator Details

Approximate date in which the course was attended:

Order Parent Booklets

  • PWS Programme Materials
    € 200.00
    per pack
  • PWS Parents Book cover
    Parenting when Separated Parent Booklets Pack (contain 15 booklets)
    € 120
    per pack
Once you have added all your purchases to the basket please proceed to the checkout.
Alternatively, you can checkout at any time using the basket top right of the screen.

Parents Plus Supervision, Accreditation and additional training

If you wish to find out more about additional Parents PLus training, supervision sessions and accreditation click here.

Order Parent Booklets

Once you have added all your purchases to the basket please proceed to the checkout.
Alternatively, you can checkout at any time using the basket top right of the screen.

Job Vacancy: Marketing and Communications Manager – Job Share

Applications are invited for the position of Marketing Communications Manager (Job Share)

Flexible and varied role for an organized marketing professional. Part-time, permanent.

Parents Plus, a leading Irish Charity, seeks an organized marketing professional to work closely with the CEO within a small, dynamic, and friendly team. You will bring your communication and organizational skills to this varied role which offers a great opportunity to make a contribution to the mission of Parents Plus, improving outcomes for families at a national and international level. Overlap with your job-share colleague ensures a smooth operation of the Parents Plus office and marketing communications.

This post is a job share role. Flexibility within the need of the organization is encouraged.  Previous experience of working in a marketing communications environment would be an advantage.

Responsibilities include:

  • Service development: Development of post-training services to Parents Plus facilitators (the local support networks and support forums) in conjunction with the Parents Plus trainers/ supervisors.
  • Business development: Marketing and sales of the Parents Plus Programmes to new and existing services including those in state agencies such as Tusla or the HSE.
  • Events Management for the Parents Plus national conference and training programme for facilitators.
  • Marketing Content Creation: such as supporting the preparation and production of training materials, event materials and development of the Parents’ Plus websites.
  • Digital campaign management: including the design, development and execution of campaigns using email, social media and other marketing channels to achieve Parents Plus’ goals.
  • Grant proposals: Support the preparation of grant applications and training proposals for national, state and semi-state bodies.
  • Networking: Representing Parents Plus at policy groups with key partners such as Tusla and the HSE.
  • Operations: In conjunction with the CEO, overseeing the development and implementation of clear operational procedures for Parents Plus.
  • Supporting and assisting the CEO in the running of the charity.
  • Scope to develop the role and procedures.
  • Any other duties or projects to further the work of Parents Plus as deemed necessary by the Parents Plus CEO and Board.

Your Skills:

  • 2+ years’ experience in one or more of the following areas: marketing, fundraising and administration
  • Formal studies in marketing or business
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate with a range of stakeholders
  • Experienced with word processing and spreadsheets (such as MS Office)
  • Great people skills and a team player with a positive attitude.
  • Detail-oriented, accurate, organised, good reasoning and analytical skills
  • Excellent time-management skills, ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise projects and meet deadlines
  • An appreciation of the work and mission of the Parents Plus Charity
  • Growth mindset: a desire to learn and develop within the organization
  • Knowledge of Salesforce CRM would be an advantage

Conditions

This role reports to the CEO and is envisaged as a job-share role 3 days week, with one day / half-day overlap with your job-share colleague for smooth operation.  Based in Dublin 7 near Mater Hospital.  It may therefore suit a more experienced and/or a candidate in search of a flexible and rewarding role.

Requires work outside of regular office hours a few times a year (early morning meetings with advance notice).

6 months’ probation

Candidates must have capacity/permission to reside and work in the EU

€25,000- €36,000 (pro rata) depending on skills.

How to Apply

Please complete an application form and email with a covering letter to grainne@parentsplus.ie.   Applications from agencies will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is 5pm on 8th November.

Interviews are due to take place on Thursday 15th November

Parents Plus is an equality opportunities employer.

Introduction to Parents Plus – Dublin 13/09/18

Parents Plus is hosting a free introductory seminar in Dublin in September 2018:PP FB image

  • Introductory Event, 13th September 2018 – 2:30-4:30pm, Dublin
  • Free to attend, registration required below

This seminar is suitable for both practitioners and service managers who want to gain an understanding of the five Parents Plus programmes and how they can best be implemented within individual services. Samples of each programme will be presented as well as the evidence base along with a number of implementation strategies for getting the programmes off the ground both within individual services and larger organisations.

The session is free but has a limited number of places. To book a place, please add attendees and their details below. Note when booking, click the invoice option on payment and you will not be charged.

Registration

 

About Parents Plus Programmes

The Parents Plus Programmes are evidence-based parenting courses designed to support and empower parents to manage and solve discipline problems, to create satisfying and enjoyable family relationships and to help children and young people grow up and reach their full potential. The original Parents Plus Programme was developed in 1998 and since then five flagship programmes have been developed targeting different age groups and contexts.

  • The Early Years Programme for parents of children aged 1 to 6.
  • The Children’s Programme for parents of children aged 6 to 11.
  • The Adolescent’s Programme for parents of adolescents aged 11 to 16.
  • The Working Things Out Programme targeted at adolescents aged 11-16.
  • The Parenting when Separated Programme targeted at parents who are preparing for, going through or have gone through a separation and divorce.

All Parents Plus programmes are evidence-based approaches and currently nineteen  studies attest to their effectiveness in clinical and specialist settings. They are delivered as structured courses with small groups of parents, children and adolescents utilising DVD input, handouts, group exercises and homework and are delivered within a solution-focused collaborative facilitation model. The Parents Plus charity has an established  ‘train the trainer’ process to empower professionals and community leaders to deliver the programmes in their agencies and local areas.

Parents Plus in Disability Settings – 11/06/2018

Workshop – Monday 11th June 9:00am-1:30pm, Lucan Spa Hotel Co Dublin

Providing parenting groups is an important part of service delivery within disability settings.  Such groups can provide parents with group support as well as access to specialist interventions. This advanced practice workshop brings together Parents Plus Facilitators working in disability settings both within early intervention (0-6) and school age teams ( 6-18) under progressing disability.

Workshop content includesPPEY Umbrella

  • Parents Plus guidelines on running groups in disability services
  • Presentations from practitoners working in disability
  • Launch of Parents Plus Disability research project
  • Networking opportunities to meet other facilitators

If you are interested in presenting or providing a short input on your practice (5-10 mins) or helping to run a break out group, please email sinead@parentsplus.ie.

This workshop is designed for
1) trained Parents Plus facilitators who are looking to develop their practice and 2) professionals working in disability settings who are considering Parents Plus training in the future. See here for details of full Parents Plus training.

Cost of attendance is €50 euro, or free for practitioners who present or assist above or practitioners who agree to participate in the Parents Plus Disability Research Project.

Registration

Parents Plus Programme Cover Photos

Parents Plus is an Irish charity that develops practical, evidence-based parenting and mental health programmes. We train professionals working with children and families to deliver the programmes in communities and clinical settings. Our programmes support families to communicate effectively, build satisfying relationships and overcome emotional and behavioural problems.

Our Programmes: Parents Plus have developed five flagship programmes in partnership with parents and children living in Ireland and includes their specific experiences. Our programmes combine a social learning model with a solution-focused preventative framework that encourages and empowers parents and children to ‘take charge’ and make positive changes in their lives.

Our programmes comprise of:

  • The Early Years Programme for parents of children aged 1 to 6.
  • The Children’s Programme for parents of children aged 6 to 11.
  • The Adolescents Programme for parents of adolescents aged 11 to 16.
  • The Working Things Out Programme targeted at adolescents aged 11-16.
  • Parenting when Separated Programme targeted at parents who are preparing for, going through or have gone through a separation and divorce.