Page 60 - Superintendent Report 2023-24

Teenage Parent Program

The Teenage Parent Program (TPP) is a voluntary program offered by the District to provide education and access to health
and social services for pregnant and parenting teens enrolled in District-operated and charter schools. TPP works directly
with various community agencies to assist pregnant and parenting students with access to multiple programs 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 diploma. Courses are offered through Palm Beach Virtual HS. For FY23, 103
students were enrolled in TPP and 51 received childcare vouchers.

Each school has a designated Teenage Parent Contact (TPC) who works with TPP staff members, parents, school nurses, and
school staff to support students. Meetings are held twice yearly to update TPC with information to enhance their support of
students receiving services. In celebration of this support, two graduating TPP students were awarded a scholarship from
the Marie Louise Cancer Foundation Incorporation.

Teen Mental Health First Aid

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is an in-person training designed for high school students to learn about mental
illnesses and addictions, with emphasis on identifying and responding to a developing mental health or substance use
problem among their peers. The course highlights the critical steps of involving a responsible and trusted adult. Schools are
selected by strict criteria: number of mental health referrals and at least 80% of staff trained in Youth Mental Health First
Aid (YMHFA).

The Department of Safe Schools supported the work of tMHFA throughout the District with the Department of Justice’s
three-year grant. During FY23, approximately 3,222 grade 10 students in seven high schools attended the tMHFA training.
In FY24, the department aims to train 6,000 students across 12 schools. In FY25, six additional schools will be added.

Objective 2: Increase comprehensive support for student and employee
well-being.

Education Supports

Restorative Practices Training
Behavior coaches participated in training that equipped the team with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to
implement restorative practices within high-needs schools throughout the District.

These strategies included:
• Implementation of student-centered Restorative Circles to rebuild student relationships
• How to diffuse issues as a community of students using Restorative Circles
• Fostering a culture of restoration
• Strengthening relationships and improving conflict resolution skills
• Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students
• Decreasing Out-of-School Suspension rates

60 // Superintendent Annual Report 2022 - 2023