Teenage Parents Program

The program operates within the Family Studies Department in Human Ecology at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate. It is designed to enable teenage parents to continue their education while providing an enriched environment for their children at school.

Nelson McIntyre Collegiate is a semestered high school located on a convenient bus route. We offer a full range of academic credits. Students may choose programs in the academic, business or technical departments.

In addition, TAPP students will, whenever possible, complete credits in Family Studies, two of which are in Child Development as part of their program.

The entire student body of the school benefits from the program in the following ways:

FEEDBACK FROM YOUNG PARENTS

"Without the Teenage Parents Program I wouldn't have returned to high school after the birth of my daughter. It gave me a chance to do what I had planned before becoming pregnant. Programs like ours should be in every high school there are many other young parents who don't have the opportunity to be in a program because there aren't enough spaces. I've learned a lot since I was accepted into the program and I'll never forget the encouragement and support I received when I most needed it."

"It allowed me to continue going to school like a normal teenager, have my baby, and return to school. The best part about it was that I was able to bond with my child regularly without missing out on my school work. Everyone was very supportive and helpful. Without this program, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"The program provided a secure future for myself and my child as very important to me. I hope to continue my education and achieve a higher degree of learning. Without this program, I know that I wouldn't have been able to do so. I couldn't begin to imagine where I would be without this program helping me through those hard times."

"Without the Teenage Parents Program I wouldn't have returned to high school after the birth of my daughter. It gave me a chance to do what I had planned before becoming pregnant. Programs like ours should be in every high school there are many other young parents who don't have the opportunity to be in a program because there aren't enough spaces. I've learned a lot since I was accepted into the program and I'll never forget the encouragement and support I received when I most needed it."

"The Teenage Parents Program (TAPP) has enabled me to finish high school in one year, before I found out about the program I thought that I would have to go to school for half days. I'm able to finish this year and I've really enjoyed the interaction with other moms. I also find that my child is much more sociable and has "let go" a little. If I had the choice to be somewhere else I wouldn't be. This program is my #1 choice to finish high school with a baby and my son and we will take the experience with us for the rest of our lives."

"I have many fond memories with TAPP. But I will always remember the smiles and laughter that filled the air after walking in from my classes. Especially the warm look from my daughter who was there. Without the program I might have missed many special moments and many baby firsts."

"The Teenage Parents Program has allowed me to finish my high school education. If TAPP didn't exist I would not have been able to return to school after my son was born. It has also allowed my son and I to interact with other mothers and children."

FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS

"Working in the child development lab has opened my eyes! I had NO concept of how hard it is to have a child. Even now I'm only taking care of the child for one hour out of a 24 hour day. The experience has also made me better with children. I am more patient with them now and I better understand why they do certain things."

"Being in the child lab has shown me more of the responsibilities that come with a child. I have learned many things about children and babies that I never knew before. This class has really helped me learn more about children, how they work and how to reach their needs."

"With my experience working with the children has helped me learn which foods to feed them , and what interests them when playing with toys. I think when I have a child this will help me make the right decisions. The teachers here are a great influence on kids and on me as a student."

"Working in the TAPP program has made me aware of different family situations that occur in society. Although some may not have lead the greatest lives they are still great people and very intelligent."

"Working in the child development lab has helped me to understand children better and has also aided me in knowing that I really love working with kids. I decided that I want to become a kindergarten teacher!"

"Since I started working in the child development lab, I have observed children in every different atmosphere, I've seen how fast they learn how to use their skills (language, fine and gross motor). I have learned how hard it is to raise children and how to teach them different things. It is really interesting to watch people grow from newborn babies to little human beings. I now think that when I do choose to have a child I will know more about their needs and will be better prepared. This is definitely an excellent experience for everyone, I recommend it!"

"My experience of working in the child development lab has taught me how to give infants and toddlers the proper care they need and how to know when they need it! It also showed me all of the time that you have to give to a child and how much they need your help to grow and to learn new things. It has really opened my eyes."

"Working in the child development lab as a student helper has been a great experience for me. I have enjoyed such activities as interacting with the toddlers and meeting the teen parents. The staff teaches the helpers and parents the techniques of nurturing and caring for a baby and they are always there to lend a helping hand if needed. Ten years down the road, if I decide to get married and have a family I know the teachings I received in the program will make me a better parent."

ELIGIBILITY AND OBJECTIVES

Objectives for Parents:

• To continue their academic education
• To develop parenting skills and encourage prenatal care
• To develop skills for independent living
• To provide peer support and awareness of available community resources

Objectives for the Child:

• To provide for a safe and enriched environment during the school day
• To provide an opportunity for frequent contact with the parent during the school dayTo provide play and interaction with other children

Eligibility:

The program is available to all full time students who are parents. Students who are pregnant are encouraged to join the program in the semester their baby is due. Children cannot be over the age of 2, and cannot be turning 2 during the semester. Louis Riel School Division students will receive first priority.

During the time spent in TAPP each student is required to enroll whenever possible, in Child Development and Family Studies courses offered at the school. These courses will greatly assist new parents in understanding the development of their child. It will also help to develop an understanding of skills needed to solve personal problems.

In addition to these credit courses, a number of special programs are provided for teen parents and their children. These include visits from special resource people , the Public Health Nurse, Speech Therapists, and others. Group outings include swim sessions, visits to the park, zoo, and the Children's Festival.

Pregnant and parenting teens of children under the age of two may apply. Students not residing in the Louis Riel School Division area need prior approval from the School Division responsible for the area of residence before applying to the TAPP program.

Application Packages Include:

• TAPP Application
• School Course Application
• A Reference Form from a previous school
• A Transcript of latest credits earned

Please Note:

Admission is by application only.