Progress 09/15/07 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The The Family Extension and Education Program (FEEP) is composed of five basic components. The "Train the Trainer Institute" and Professional Development- FEEP has served as a vehicle for in-service training for communities, IHS, Head Start Centers and Financial Education. We have a facility that allows people from the different community entities to assemble and receive information that they can take back to the communities.45-Hour Course- This course is mandated by the state of New Mexico for all people who work with children in a child care or Head Start setting. It is an introduction to child development, nutrition, meaningful curriculum, and issues and regulations pertaining to care and education of young children. Workshops were held at SIPI and within the communities. Head Start Workshops- Relevant In-service training has been provided to Head Start and Child Care Centers FEEP staff has also been asked to present workshops at various early childhood conferences throughout the Southwest. Thematic Family Nights have been held on a monthly basis at SIPI and within the outlying communities. Families participate in informal educational activities based on extension themes.Noon workshops,Saturday workshops and evening workshops are held on a regular basis in the areas of health, nutrition, meal planning and preparation, weight management and personal financial management. These workshops are designed to meet the stated needs of students, staff and community members.The financial education workshops under FEEP and Financially Fit resulted in collaborative agreements with the Office of Special Trust and with USA Funds to expand the dissemination efforts and audiences. Traditional Craft Nights have been a favorite among students and community members. A Native artisan is contracted to teach a traditional craft in which they are proficient. This provides knowledge and at the same time preserves Native culture. The Traditional Craft Nights also provide a locale for students and community members to strengthen their own identity and develop a network of people who are interested in similar topics. There has been a definite increase in the number of participants over the life of the grant and the number of workshops offered. This component has led to the funding of a project involving helping artisans establish a small business related to traditional crafts. The Age-Appropriate Instructional Materials Lending Library houses a variety of hands-on instructional materials that centers and families may borrow. All materials are durable and relevant to solid early learning educational practices. The Library also houses an extensive collection of Native American children's literature. The library serves as a vital source of information and materials for the students in SIPI's Early Learning Program. PARTICIPANTS: B.Joan Goodman and Nancy Garcia initiated the project. B.Joan Goodman retired from SIPI on September 12,2011. B.Joan Goodman was active in New Mexico's educational arena for over 30 years. The majority of her work was centered around minority education from cradle to grave. She worked at SIPI for 14 years before her retirement. She holds a B.S. of education, an MA, and is a PhD candidate in Instruction and Development with an emphasis in mathematics.Nancy Garcia continued the project. Ms. Garcia has worked with FEEP for six years. She has worked in the area of Early Childhood Education for twenty years. Her vast experience with Head Start has benefitted the program, as she is able to effectively relate to Head Start personnel. Ms. Garcia has earned a CDA, an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. She is an enrolled member of Santo Domingo Pueblo. FEEP has provided workshops for Head Start staff, SIPI students and members of surrounding communities at both the community sites and at SIPI. The majority of the workshops have dealt with early childhood development, health,and financial education. FEEP has also provided resources to the students at SIPI who are in Early Childhood Education. Traditional Craft Nights are held on a regular basis. The experience increases knowledge of traditional crafts and arts while providing a venue for socialization and networking. This strengthens Indian identity and helps preserve culture. FEEP has partnered with Office of Special Trust to expand the audience for financial education. FEEP staff also entered into a collaboration with USA Funds, a private organizaton, to provide financial education training to community members and students. All workshops and professional trainings are evaluated with an evaluation form,interviews and observation. This ensures stakeholder input and guides the activity of the program. FEEP partnered with Chief Dull Knife Community College, FALCON, and Montana State University in two research projects determining Indian deffinition of assets and consumer preference for community grown foods and products. Both of these projects were funded by USDA. TARGET AUDIENCES: SIPI students are all enrolled members of Native American or Alaska Native tribes. Thee are usually 80 to 100 different tribes represented in a trimester. There is a great diversity in our student population since tribes vary in language, culture and mores. New Mexico has 19 pueb lo communities, 2 Apache communities, and 2 Navajo communities.The diversity of population makes it essential to involve the individual tribal entities in the planning and implementation of program. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
FEEP continues to have an impact on the SIPI community, as well as on surrounding tribal communities. The monthly Family Nights have been implemented at SIPI and in the comunities. The consistency of format for these evenings has made them easily replicable out in the communities. The participants have self-reported an increase in nutrition and health knowledge that they transfer into their daily lives. The parents self-report an increase in the use of healthy meal choices and an increase in exercise within their homes. Several families have started small gardens and grow some of the food they eat. The parents and grandparents who consistenly attend Family Night self-report modification of discipline measure in the home and increase in modeling positive interactions. As a result of FEEP workshops, students at SIPI have assumed responsiblity for organizing and implmenting health related activities. Participants in the financial education component self-report better financial management understanding and the ability to make informed choices. FEEP has provided the state mandated 45 Hour course for Head Start and Childcare workers within the communities, providing necessary training to meet state requirements. The Family Extension and Education Program at SIPI has met its objectives as stated in the funded proposal. The program is considered a valuable resource in the areas of health, education, networking and financial education.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/15/07 to 09/14/11
Outputs
Objective 1: On-going assessment of family and community needs and identification of additional resources to strengthen family and community partnerships and volunteer network at New Mexico sites and through the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) satellite network. Objective 2: Develop and disseminate culturally appropriate family extension information and resource materials based on tribal needs and requests. Objective 3: Develop an age-appropriate instructional materials lending library based on developmental practices that support the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of children. Objective 4: Develop an interactive and collaborative relationship with families and educational agencies at tribal communities. Objective 5: Develop and implement assessment techniques, summative and formative program evaluation to monitor, adjust as needed, document and determine impact on individuals and tribal communities. PRODUCTS: The Family Extension and Education Program (FEEP) is composed of five basic components. For the purpose of clarity in this report, we will report on each component separately. Train the Trainer Institute and Professional Development- FEEP has served as a vehicle for in-service training for communities, IHS, Head Start Centers and Financial Education. We have a facility that allows people from the different community entities to assemble and receive information that they can take back to the communities. Training has been provided in the areas of health, nutrition, heart health, early childhood education, parenting, traditional crafts and personal financial management. 45-Hour Course- This course is mandated by the state of New Mexico for all people who work with children in a child care or Head Start setting. It is an introduction to child development, nutrition, meaningful curriculum, and issues and regulations pertaining to care and education of young children. Workshops were held at SIPI and within the communities.Head Start Workshops- In-service training has been provided to Head Start and Child Care Center staff in the areas of learning environments, math in the pre-school classroom, emergent literacy, health and safety in the early childhood classroom, using music and art in the early childhood classroom, parent involvement in the early childhood classroom, science in the early childhood classroom and classroom management. FEEP staff has also been asked to present workshops at various early childhood conferences throughout the Southwest. Thematic Family Nights have been held on a monthly basis at SIPI and within the outlying communities. Families participate in informal educational activities surrounding a theme for the evening. Themes include science, nutrition, personal financial management, dental health, beginning the school year, gardening, and safety to name a few. Noon workshops, Saturday workshops and evening workshops are held on a regular basis in the areas of health, nutrition, meal planning and preparation, weight management and personal financial management. These workshops are designed to meet the stated needs of students, staff and community members. Traditional Craft Nights have been a favorite among students and community members. A Native artisan is contracted to teach a traditional craft in which they are proficient. This provides knowledge and at the same time preserves Native culture. This component has led to the funding of a project involving helping artisans establish a small business related to traditional crafts.The Age-Appropriate Instructional Materials Lending Library houses a variety of hands-on instructional materials that centers and families may borrow. All materials are durable and relevant to solid early learning educational practices. The Library also houses an extensive collection of Native American children's literature. OUTCOMES: The FEEP program has advanced knowledge of sound personal financial management skills in participating communities and amongst SIPI students and staff. Participants have self-reported a decline in credit card debt and the number of credit cards held. Participants have also self-reported a certain financial confidence as a rsult of the workshops given. Funding has been received from other sources to expand our financial education program. The Traditional Craft Nights have helped preserve Native traditional crafts and increased the number of people with the skills to do them. Traditional Craft Nights have strengthened a pride in Native culture and has resulted in funding to help artisans develop a sound small business using their skills. The monthly Family Nights have provided an informal educational experience in which Native families can associate with other Native families. This is very important since many of our children go to schools in which there is only a handful of Native Americans. Since many of them live in the metropolitan area, they do not have the daily contact with other Indian children. The Family Nights help our children develop Indian identity and a sense of belonging. The Family Nights provide hands-on instruction in topics such as nutrition, financial education, health, crafts, math, science and gardening. The Family Nights strengthen family unity, family knowledge and family identity. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: FEEP staff share their project with other tribal colleges through attendance and presentations at the FALCON conference. They also work collaboratively with other tribal colleges on special projects. All participants at workshops receive printed materials that deal with the topics of the workshop. One of the most important dissemination efforts of the FEEP staff is their presence within the communities and their willingness to shape the program to stated community needs. FUTURE INITIATIVES: FEEP will continue to serve as a resource for individuals and communities in the areas of Family consumer science and education. Staff will continue to search for funding to expand the financial education program to include more communities, as well as urban Indians in the Albuquerque area. SIPI has just received funding to expand the program to include instruction and support in establishing a small business featuring traditional art and craft items. This addresses the extensive un-employment rate among Native American by creating fifteen new businesses over the period of the new grant There seems to be a need for more activities dealing with gardening and food preservation. Workshops and hands-on experiences will be incorporated in these areas. There is an interest in growing and utilizing traditional foods. FEEP staff will find experts within the communities to help in this endeavor. Elders from the various communities will be instrumental in providing instruction. Another source of help will be the county extension agents. Newletters that will be distributed to the communities and the students will be re-instated. This will give information on various topics of interest to the participants.
Impacts
FEEP continues to have an impact on the SIPI community, as well as on surrounding tribal communities. The monthly Family Nights have been implemented at SIPI and in the communities. The consistency of format for these evenings has made them easily replicable out in the communities. The participants have self-reported an increase in nutrition and health knowledge that they transfer into their daily lives. The children frequently comment on the fact that they eat more fruits and vegetables than before and are more physically active. The parents self-report an increase in the use of healthy meal choices within their homes. Several families have started small gardens and grow some of the food they eat. The parents and grandparents who consistently attend Family Night self-report modification of discipline measures in the home and an increase in modeling positive interactions. As a result of FEEP workshops,students at SIPI have assumed responsibility for organizing and implementing health related activities. Participants in the financial education component self-report better financial management understanding and the ability to make informed choices. FEEP has provided the state mandated 45 Hour course for Head Start and Childcare workers within the communities, providing necessary training to meet state requirements. The Family Extension and Education Program at SIPI has met its objectives as stated in the funded proposal. The program is considered a valuable resource in the areas of health, education,networking andfinancial education.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/15/09 to 09/14/10
Outputs
FEEP has continued to address the expressed needs of the surrounding communities and SIPI students. The focus has been on educational Family Nights as a vehicle for information disssemination. The thematic Family Nights provide an opportunity for families to spend quality time together in an informal educational setting. Nutrition lessons are taught at each event and then the families participate in five activity centers that focus on a general theme. Our science nights were especially popular this year. One of them concerned a robotics demonstration where children had the opportunity to interact with actual robots provided by our pre-engineering department. The Family Nights also provide an opportunity for Native families to network with other Native families. This is especially important for our "Urban Indian" families who may not have frequent opportunities to return to their home communities. This year, we began sewing classes for SIPI students and staff, as well as for community members. These classes were extremely popular and resulted in a request for expansion of the program. We had all ages and both genders attend. We have also held traditional craft nights led by Native artisans. FEEP focuses on financial education and personal financial management. For the first time, the Financial Aid office at SIPI is strongly suggesting that students who receive financial aid take a three-hour workshop on budgeting, credit cards and predatory lending. A team from the Extension office attended a one week workshop sponsored by IHEP on strengthening and expanding our financial education program. Our staff has conducted workshops in tribal communities on personal financial management. We have established a partnership with Office of the Special Trust and will expand our outreach program with them. The Early Childhood Learning Center was opened at SIPI in January of 2010. FEEP has a demonstration kitchen in the Center. The FEEP staff has been very active in opening the Center. PRODUCTS: The activity centers created for Family Nights are available upon request. Many programs across the nation have requested these. Our outreach program has been expanded and strengthened. All activities are based upon the requests and stated needs of the constituents we serve. We have developed relationships with families, educational, social services and health agencies in tribal communities. We have developed pamphlets, flyers and booklets on health, family and resource management topics. We have developed relationships and partnerships with other agencies that serve Native American populations within the city ("Urban Indians". OUTCOMES: Knowledge: There is an increased knowledge of basic domestic arts. Increased knowledge of nutrition and how to apply it to daily life has been noted. Increased knowledge of a variety of traditional arts and crafts has increased personal identity and satisfaction. There is an increase in knowledge of personal financial management. Actions: Participants utilize the knowledge gained in their daily lives. Participants modify their diet and exercise routines based on knowledge gained. Family Night activities result in "quality time" being spent as families. Community members and students have better financial management skills as a result of financial education efforts. Participants gain support in the connections made through this project. Retention at SIPI is increased as a result of students feeling supported and having better financial management skills. Conditions: Students receive personal support and are not as likely to drop out and go home. Traditional arts and craft skills are preserved. Families have "quality time," and are strengthened. There is an increase in Indian Identity The general health of participants is increased due to application of knowledge in areas of diet,and nutrition. Networking among participants results in personal enrichment. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: FEEP staff continues to network with other tribal colleges through FALCON. The Train the Trainer component of the program allows us to work with community members and develop presentations and materials that they can utilize in their home communities. We maintain displays around campus of information on health, financial management, parenting, etc. FEEP is seen as a resource for tribal communities and programs. FUTURE INITIATIVES: FEEP will continue to serve the surrounding Native communities as well as the SIPI students in the areas of health, nutrition, personal resource management, parenting, and Early Childhood education through workshops, activities, and personal contact. During the forthcoming year, we project the following: 10 Family Nights 10 mini-financial workshops 5 all-day financial workshops 30 bi-weekly nutrition and health demonstrations 8 traditional craft workshops 4 Head Start staff workshops We will continue to maintain the Age-appropriate Materials Lending Center that provides families and programs with educational materials. We will also continue the Train the Trainer component that allows us to provide in-service training to community members that they can then take and deliver in their own communities. This includes providing educational materials.
Impacts
Knowledge is power. As a result of the FEEP activities, participants self-report an increase in healthy lifestyle practices. They have taken the knowledge presented through workshops, Family Nights and informational literature and have applied it to their daily lives. Increased financial education has afforded participants the knowledge necessary to avoid being victimized by unscrupulous organizations and individuals. Several individuals have self-reported being able to pay off credit cards and being able to better manage their personal resources. Family Nights and Traditional Crafts and sewing classes help strengthen cultural identity.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/15/08 to 09/14/09
Outputs
The overall objective of the Family Extension and Education Program (FEEP) is to ensure Tribal community members and SIPI students access to knowledge, skill development, child rearing practices, child development, health, nutrition, and dietary information and career information, and financial education in order to better manage their family life and resources. The program builds upon a collaborative relationship between Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Tribal communities and their Head Start and Early Childhood Centers. All activities and projects are the result of focus groups, surveys and other input from Tribal communities and SIPI students. The Family Extension and Education Program collaborates with comparable programs at other Tribal Colleges in program and material development and research endeavors. OBJECTIVES: Objective 1: On-going assessment of family and community needs and identification of additional resources to strengthen family and community partnerships and volunteer network at New Mexico sites and through the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) satellite network. Objective 2: Develop and disseminate culturally appropriate family extension information and resource materials based on tribal needs and requests Objective 3: Develop age-appropriate instructional materials lending library based on developmental practices that support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of children. Objective 4: Provide interactive broadcasts on identified topics. Objective 5: Collaborate with Tribal leaders on the development and maintenance of a community resource center for family extension and education for use by community members. Objective 6: Develop an interactive and collaborative relationship with families and educational agencies at tribal communities. Objective 7: Develop and implement assessment techniques, summative and formative program evaluation to monitor, adjust as needed, document and determine impact on individuals and tribal communities. PRODUCTS: The Family Extension and Education Program (FEEP) is composed of five basic components. For the purpose of clarity in this report, we will report on each component separately. Train the Trainer Institute and Professional Development- FEEP contributes to the Distance Education program. This program broadcasts programs in early childhood education, nutrition, and parenting. SIPI is very supportive of Head Start in surrounding Native communities. The staff has presented 5 workshops on pre-school curriculum in the SIPI resource center and at the community sites. FEEP staff has also presented workshops at Head Start Conferences. The 45- Hour Course was offered three times this year. This course is required by the state of New Mexico for all people who work in childcare. It gives an over-view of child development, regulations and reporting requirements, curriculum development, and guidance. The tribal communities consider the FEEP staff to be an excellent resource for information and professional development. We trained 45 CHR's in Honoring the Gift of Healthy Heart Curriculum. Family Nights-Monthly Family Nights are very popular at SIPI. The goal of the nights is to provide families an opportunity to spend quality time together in a quality educational experience. Each evening is thematic in nature. Themes have included nutrition, stress, financial education, Back to School, traditional crafts, safety, personal hygiene, gardening, Family Math, Family Science, and astronomy. We help community organizations hold their own Family Nights based on ours. Health Workshops-We hold weekly health demonstrations in the Student Support Center at SIPI during the noon hour. The interactive demonstrations are usually about 15 minutes in length and deal with knowledge needed for healthy lifestyle. We have also hosted longer workshops on similar topics. Professional consultants have delivered the workshops when appropriate. FEEP collaborates with the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society in their national events on a local level. We maintain displays in the Student Support Center on health disparities. We also disseminate informational material about health that is purchased, as well as material that is developed within our own office. Financial Education Financial management has been taught within the framework of courses at SIPI, and through workshops varying in length from 1.5 hours to 8.0 hours. Financial education materials are available on displays throughout the campus. Instructional Materials Lending Library-Families and childcare facilities borrow materials from the library. The facility itself is used as a training center and meeting room. OUTCOMES: The Family Extension and Education Program (FEEP) continues to have significant impact in Tribal communities and on SIPI students. Our collaboration with other Tribal Colleges has not only enriched our own program, but it has allowed us to share successful practices with others. There were 2programmatic contacts as documented on attendance sheets for the funded year 2008-2009. Train the Trainer Institute and Professional Development- SIPI is valued as a resource for information and training for communities. 58 workers were trained in the 45-Hour Childhood course and are able to work in community Head Start and Child Care programs. The curriculum specific early childhood workshops provided at SIPI and in the communities resulted in a more interactive, hands-on curriculum in the classrooms. Many of the participants have indicated that as a result of the training, they have gained confidence in their teaching. We have seen an increase in the number of community members who call us for help in program planning and implementation. Family Nights The monthly thematic events have given families quality time and an opportunity to learn basic health and well-being information in a hands-on non-threatening environment. Participants in a focus group reported that the children look forward to coming and that the parents use it as a reward. Children have internalized healthy eating concepts and self-report more fruits and vegetables in their diets. We have an average of 17 families at each session. The Family Nights give Urban Indian children an opportunity to get to know each other and to form friendships. The parents have reported an increase in the children's Indian identification. Surrounding communities have utilized our activities in their own Family Nights and report more parent participation than before. Health Workshops There has been an increase in attendance at the weekly health workshops and healthy lifestyle activities. Students are requesting more active events and cooking classes. Food service program at SIPI has reported an increased demand for fruits, vegetables, and non-sweet drinks. Students are asking for more active events instead of sedentary activities. There is a self-reported increase in awareness of the responsibility of the individual for their own health by SIPI students and community members. Financial Education The Financial Education program has become institutionalized at SIPI. Students and community members contact the office for information regarding financial management issues. More instructors are including financial management within their classes. Communities request on-site workshops. Instructional Materials Lending Library- The communities utilize the area for meetings and trainings. Parents and community organizations have access to educational materials they might not otherwise be able to afford. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: We have continued to utilize newsletters, flyers, individual and tribal mailings, Distance learning, WEB postings, displays and gatherings to disseminate our information. We have added the development of handouts and booklets on specific topics that feature pictures of Native Americans and address pertinent issues. Research has shown that people learn more effectively from people who look like them. This is also true in printed material. We have found that there has been more of a demand for our materials than for other materials that feature Non-Native people. FUTURE INITIATIVES: We would like to expand the publication of our health materials. We will do this within the framework of our regular program. We will continue with the five components that currently exist within the program. We will continue to collaborate with communities, campus programs, national organizations and other universities and tribal colleges to find ways to better meet the needs of Native Americans. We would like to expand our program to include community gardens. We also plan to work with the Food Service at SIPI to provide healthier choices.
Impacts
The project activities have had far reaching impact. Our student body comes from across the nation and the knowledge and practices that we help them incorporate into their daily lives will impact their home communities when they return. Our students speak of a heightened awareness of their responsibility for their own health and well-being. They also report an increase in healthy eating and exercise practices in their personal lives. The families who have come to Family Nights have learned as a family unit and many have indicated large changes in personal diets and exercise by all members of the family. The trainings that CHR's and Head Start teachers have received has had direct impact on the quality of heath and preschool education in the communities. Participants have self-reported an increase in confidence in teaching and therefore, an increase in their willingness to try new techniques. Students and community members self-report an increase in personal financial management skills.
Publications
- SOUTHWESTERN INDIAN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE. 2009. We published several handouts and modules for participants:Exercise for Adults ______Exercise For Children ____A Cookbook- Using Traditional Foods; Simple Steps for Healthier Eating and Diabetes Prevention_____Smoothies___Weekly Health Demos; Healthy Snacks For Healthy Kids_____Smoothies and You______Be A Cut-Up with Salads; Feeding Your Pre-School Child ______ Crockpot Cookery.
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Progress 09/15/07 to 09/14/08
Outputs
The Family Extension and Education Program builds upon an existing collaborative relationship between Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) and surrounding Native American communities. The overall objective of the Family Extension and Education Program is to develop a model extension and community education program while providing training in family and child development, resource management, personal financial management, nutrition, diet and health at SIPI and via distance education format for Native American communities in remote locations. The workshops and activities offered by FEEP reflect community needs as determined through focus groups, workshop evaluations, and other community sources of feedback. The ability to better meet the educational needs of Native Americans and to reach remote and rural Tribal communities through distance learning formats is aligned with SIPI's mission and its commitment to develop long-term goals to ensure support and assistance to Native American communities. The FEEP Program addresses the following USDA strategic goals: Strategic Goal 2: Support Increased Economic Opportunities and Improved Quality of Life in Rural America and Strategic Goal 4: Improve the Nation's Nutrition and Health. Objective 1: On-going assessment of family and community needs and identification of additional resources to strengthen family and community partnerships and volunteer network at New Mexico sites and through the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) satellite network. Objective 2: Develop and disseminate culturally appropriate family extension information and resource materials based on tribal needs and requests Objective 3: Develop age-appropriate instructional materials lending library based on developmental practices that support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of children. Objective 4: Provide interactive broadcasts on identified topics via satellite and by video - tapes, newsletters and CD-ROMS. Objective 5: Collaborate with Tribal leaders on the development and maintenance of a community resource center for family extension and education for use by community members. Objective 6: Develop an interactive and collaborative relationship with families and educational agencies at tribal communities. Objective 7: Develop and implement assessment techniques, summative and formative program evaluation to monitor, adjust as needed, document and determine impact on individuals and tribal communities. PRODUCTS: The Family Extension and Education Program (FEEP) is composed of five basic components. For the purpose of clarity in this report, we will report on each component separately. 1. Train the Trainer Institute and Professional Development- FEEP contributes to the Distance Education program. This program Broadcasts programs in early childhood education, nutrition, parenting, etc. SIPI is very supportive of Head Start in surrounding Nativecommunities.The staff has presented 5 workshops on pre-school curriculum in the SIPI resource center and at the community sites. FEEP staff has also presented workshops at Head Start Conferences. The 45- Hour Course was offered three times this year. This course is required by the state of New Mexico for all people who work in childcare.It gives an over-view of child development, regulations and reporting requirements, curriculum development, and guidance. The tribal communities consider the FEEP staff to be an excellent resource for information and professional development. 2.Family Nights-Monthly Family Nights are very popular at SIPI. The goal of the nights is to provide families an opportunity to spend quality time together in a quality educational experience. Each evening is thematic in nature. Themes have included nutrition, stress, financial education, Back to School, traditional crafts, safety, personal hygiene, gardening, Family Math, Family Science, and astronomy. We help community organizations hold their own Family Nights based on ours. 3. Health Workshops-We hold weekly health demonstrations in the Student Support Center at SIPI during the noon hour. The interactive demonstrations are usually about 15 minutes in length and deal with knowledge needed for healthy lifestyle. We have also hosted longer workshops on similar topics. Professional consultants have delivered the workshops when appropriate.FEEP collaborates with the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society in their national events on a local level. We maintain displays in the Student Support Center on health disparities. We also disseminate informational material about health that is purchased, as well as material that is developed within our own office.4. Financial Education-Financial management has been taught within the framework of courses at SIPI, and through workshops varying in length from 1.5 hours to 8.0 hours.Financial education materials are available on displays throughout the campus.5.Instructional Materials Lending Library-Families and childcare facilities borrow materials from the library. The facility itself is used as a training center and meeting room. OUTCOMES: The Family Extension and Education Program (FEEP) continues to have significant impact in Tribal communities and on SIPI students. Our collaboration with other Tribal Colleges has not only enriched our own program, but it has allowed us to share successful practices with others. There were 2730 programmatic contacts as documented on attendance sheets for the funded year 2007-2008. Train the Trainer Institute and Professional Development-SIPI is valued as a resource for information and training for communities. 48 workers were trained in the 45-Hour Childhood course and are able to work in community Head Start and Child Care programs. The curriculum specific early childhood workshops provided at SIPI and in the communities resulted in a more interactive, hands-on curriculum in the classrooms. Many of the participants have indicated that as a result of the training, they have gained confidence in their teaching. We have seen an increase in the number of community members who call us for help in program planning and implementation. Family Nights- The monthly thematic events have given families quality time and an opportunity to learn basic health and well-being information in a hands-on non-threatening environment. Participants in a focus group reported that the children look forward to coming and that the parents use it as a reward. Children have internalized healthy eating concepts and self-report more fruits and vegetables in their diets. We have an average of 15 families at each session. The Family Nights give Urban Indian children an opportunity to get to know each other and to form friendships. The parents have reported an increase in the children's Indian identification. Surrounding communities have utilized our activities in their own Family Nights and report more parent participation than before. Health Weekly Workshops- The impact of weekly health workshops and healthy lifestyle activities is evidenced in the increase in attendance and nature of workshop requests by the students at SIPI. Food service program at SIPI has reported an increased demand for fruits, vegetables, and non-sweet drinks. Students are asking for more active events instead of sedentary activities. There is a self-reported increase in awareness of the responsibility of the individual for their own health by SIPI students and community members. Financial Education-The Financial Education program has become institutionalized at SIPI. Students and community members contact the office for information regarding financial management issues. More instructors are including financial management within their classes. Communities request on-site workshops. Instructional Materials Lending Library-The communities utilize the area for meetings and trainings. Parents and community organizations have access to educational materials they might not otherwise be able to afford. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Dissemination activities include newsletters,community workshops, health fairs,and distance learning. We advertise events through flyers posted on campus and in communities,e-mail, personal and tribal mailings, and the SIPI Web site. FUTURE INITIATIVES: We will continue to follow the same format that we have been doing. All activities are community based and are driven by the expressed need of the communities and SIPI students. Input is gathered through focus groups, interviews, evaluation forms at each event and personal conversations.
Impacts
The increased professional development opportunities for Head Start and Child Care staff in the communities has resulted in better curriculum and teaching within the programs. Families have been able to learn basic nutrition and healthy lifestyles through the Family Night program. Families have self-reported an increase in exercise and healthy dietary practices. SIPI students have become more aware of the responsibility each person has for their own general health. They are requesting more events that teach and apply the the principles of healthy lifestyles. The Financial Education Program has become institutionalized at SIPI. Many professors include the content within their classes. Communities continue to request workshops.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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