Educator Newsletter: Fall 2024

Happy Fall!

Welcome to the Fall 2024 Newsletter. We hope you are ready for the cooler weather! Read on to learn about upcoming events and opportunities for parenting education, professional development, and curriculum training.

If you are not already on our mailing list, please consider signing up for updates right in your inbox.

Please join us in this week in celebration of ChildBuilders’ 50th Anniversary! Since 1974, we have been making an impact by promoting mental health and preventing abuse throughout Greater Houston and beyond. We are gathering at Cadillac Bar on September 26, 2024 to enjoy fajitas, play bingo, earn fun prizes, and connect with the ChildBuilders’ community. Tickets are available here.

Curricum Updates

Stand Strong * Stay Safe - Early Childhood is fully updated!

We are excited to reminder presenters that the Early Childhood program is now available in it’s final form. If you downloaded the program during last school year, please review the update scripts, both in English and Spanish. The Stand Strong Stay Safe Rules poster is also available in Spanish! The updated resources are linked below.

Upcoming Refresher Training Dates

If you have not been trained in the updated Early Childhood program, please register to attend one of the dates below or  contact us to request training. The old program will be phased out this year and we expect everyone to be using the new program as soon as possible.

Download Flyer

When? October 15, 10-11:30 AM
Where? Live on Zoom
Cost: $50 per person. Scholarships are available.

Training will take place live on Zoom. Participants must have previous training in Stand Strong Stay Safe – Early Childhood. New puppets and CE credits are included in the cost. Grant funding may be available to offset costs in certain areas. Contact Gretchen Lash for details and to register.

Thank You for Submitting Your 2023-2024 Data!

Our data collection for last year is finalized and we are so thankful for our community partners! We served 41,858 children and 2,009 adults in Greater Houston. We want to highlight a few of our champion school districts:  Fort Bend ISD has reported teaching Stand Strong Stay Safe to 15,052 children (19% of children in the district), Pasadena ISD reached 13,772 children (28% of children in the district), and Pearland ISD reached 8,008 children (38% of children in the district). Great work! We are grateful for your partnership in our community!

Fort Bend ISD
15,052

Pasadena ISD
13,772

Pearland ISD
8,008

Program Spotlight: Parents Under Construction

by Janet Pozmantier, creator of Parents Under Construction

In today’s competitive academic environment, students often focus on preparing for their careers but neglect one of the most important roles they will assume—parenting. Many enter parenthood without formal training, relying on childhood experiences and media, which may lack healthy values and boundaries. Parents Under Construction, developed by ChildBuilders, equips students with essential parenting skills to promote children’s mental health and prevent abuse. Through role play, group discussions, and practical exercises, students learn positive discipline, communication, and conflict resolution. This award-winning program encourages postponement of parenthood and integrates family values to build competent, nurturing future parents.

Upcoming Webinars for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators!

Mark your calendars! Our Fall Webinar Calendar is now available to download and share with your school community! Website listings & registration will be available soon.
Webinars for Educators | Webinars for Parents

Webinars for Educators

When Life Gets Hard: Coping With Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma

When Life Gets Hard: Coping With Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and how does trauma impact the developing child?
Cultivating Healthy Classrooms with Empathy and Connection

Cultivating Healthy Classrooms with Empathy and Connection

Have you been frustrated managing a classroom with out-of-control behaviors? In this workshop, learn knowledge and skills to cultivate a nurturing and empathetic classroom climate. Participants will walk away with hands-on activities and ideas to promote empathy and connection in the classroom.
Navigating Rough Waters: Understanding Children's Mental Health

Navigating Rough Waters: Understanding Children's Mental Health

What is typical childhood behavior? When should I be concerned? Learn strategies to recognize and help kids with mental health concerns.

Webinars for Parents/Caregivers

Creating a Nurturing Home Environment for Children

Creating a Nurturing Home Environment for Children

October 16, 2024    
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
No Cost
Children need connection and guidance to grow into healthy adults. This workshop will help you learn to parent with connection in mind, using empathy and assertiveness to reach that goal.
You've Got This: Parenting And Children's Mental Health

You've Got This: Parenting And Children's Mental Health

Learn about signs & symptoms of mental health concerns in young children and 3 strategies for helping children. With Spanish interpretation.
Feeling Stressed? Learn Mindful Parenting

Feeling Stressed? Learn Mindful Parenting

November 13, 2024    
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
No Cost
Find a new way to respond to the stress of parenting, calm your mind, and be kinder to yourself and your kids. With Spanish interpretation.
Using Empathy in Discipline

Using Empathy in Discipline

November 20, 2024    
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
No Cost
Parenting is about the day-to-day interactions we have with our children that build trust and love. This presentation will focus on connecting with your children while disciplining. Learn to set boundaries and hold children accountable.
When Life Gets Hard: Parenting Through Trauma

When Life Gets Hard: Parenting Through Trauma

Learn about trauma’s effect on development and behavior and come away with 5 strategies to help children heal. With Spanish interpretation.
Keeping Children Safe in a Troubled World

Keeping Children Safe in a Troubled World

December 11, 2024    
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
No Cost
Learn to identify signs and symptoms of abuse and explore ways to keep children safe from abuse & trauma.