Graduation, Reality, and Dual-Role Skills (GRADS) is an in-school Family and Consumer Sciences instructional and intervention program for pregnant and parenting teens, male and female. Objectives focus on graduation and retention, positive health care practices, knowledge of positive parenting practices, setting vocational and career goals, balancing work and family and delaying subsequent pregnancies. The instructional component is based upon competencies identified in the GRADS Ohio Competency Analysis Profile and the Adolescent Parent Resource Guide, which helps students apply practical reasoning skills in all content areas. The community outreach component strengthens family involvement as well as the involvement of community agencies and organizations. The advisory committee component builds strong school and community support for the program. The evaluation component determines program effectiveness.
Evidence of Effectiveness Pregnant and parenting teens enrolled in the program are more likely to remain in school during pregnancy and after childbirth; are more likely to obtain early prenatal care; are less likely to deliver low birth weight babies; are likely to increase their knowledge of positive parenting practices; and are less likely to have a subsequent pregnancy while still in school.
Positive Self
Self Formation
Communication
Relationships
Practical Problem Solving
Options & Decisions
Pregnancy
Wellness
Maternal and Fetal Development
Costs of Parenthood
Labor and Delivery
Postnatal Care
Parenting
Newborn
Adjustments to Parenting
Child Development
Child Care
Child Abuse & Neglect
Economic Independence
Career Exploration
Goal Setting
Child Care Options
Job Search & Application
Balancing Dual-Role of Parent & Worker
Employability
Economic Resources
Program Goals -- Students will:
Remain in school through graduation
Appreciate the importance of prenatal care
Learn practical parenting and child development skills
Gain orientation to work
Set goals toward balancing work and family