Raising Niños Bien Educados: a case study of a culturally relevant parenting program in an inner city community

UnrestrictedThis is a descriptive case study pertaining to the implementation of the Los Niños Bien Educados (LNBE) parenting program that was funded by the First 5 California School Readiness Initiative. This study serves a multifaceted purpose. First, this study attempted to explore the nature of the Latino parenting culture and parenting practices. Secondly, this study intended to understand and document Latino parents' experiences and attitudes toward the LNBE parenting program. Lastly, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the LNBE parenting program on program participants.; Data was collected by employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, including program participant and staff interviews, observations, and program documents (intake, pretest-posttest, satisfaction survey and attendance record). The participants were recruited from three parenting programs offered by a non-profit family and child support organization in the Southern California Metropolitan area. The study population consisted of low-income, predominately first generation immigrants from Mexico.; The study documented Latino parenting practices for the purpose of identifying those traits and traditions that would enable the creation and execution of a better parenting program for this population. In addition, the results indicated that overall, participants had very positive attitudes about the program and thought that programs such as this, were both culturally sensitive and beneficial. However, it was revealed that diverse parenting topics and programs are still needed for this population.; Although there is no strong quantitative evidence of significant improvement in parents' parenting knowledge and practices, from qualitative evidence, the study found that overall the LNBE parenting program had a positive influence on all participants and their families, including, improving child-parent relationships, having better communication with their children, in children becoming better behaved and motivated in academics. This study demonstrated that the LNBE parenting program meets the ultimate goal of First 5 California. This study concludes with the recommendations for future program planning