Page 49 - Superintendent Report 2021-22

Teenage Parent Program

The Teenage Parent Program (TPP) is a voluntary program offered by Palm Beach County Schools
to provide education, along with access to health and social services for pregnant and parenting
teens enrolled in Palm Beach County School District and Charter Schools. Students who are
pregnant, as well as teen mothers and fathers, are supported in becoming responsible parents
while simultaneously completing the requirements for graduation. TPP works directly with Healthy
Mothers/Healthy Babies to assist pregnant and parenting students in accessing various programs
through Healthy Beginnings to support a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Additionally, the District and the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County work together to
assist students who may need childcare following the birth of their child. Participants in TPP must
take at least one parenting skills course while continuing to earn credits toward a standard or
special diploma. Courses are offered through Palm Beach Virtual High School. Students who have
completed the parenting course and receive consent from their parents continue to receive support
services while enrolled in their middle or high school diploma program. For FY21, 77 students were
enrolled in the program, and 34 received childcare vouchers that paid for childcare through the TPP.

Each school has a designated Teenage Parent Contact who works with the TPP staff members,
parents, school nurses, and school staff to support students. Meetings are held twice each year to
update Teenage Parent Contacts with information to enhance their support. The TPP staff engages
in numerous discussions with community partners to increase communication and support. This
year, the TPP partnered with the TRIO program through Palm Beach State College and presented a
college and career fair for students enrolled in the TPP.

Student Attendance and Re-Engagement Initiative

The Student Attendance and Re-Engagement Initiative was launched during FY22 by the Department
of Safe Schools, utilizing a grant awarded by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency
Relief (ESSER) Fund. A multi-disciplinary team of case managers and social services facilitators was
established to locate disengaged youth and re-engage them in school.

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