Sunnyside trustees hear data on Parents as Teachers, Family Resource Center services and growth
Summary
District staff told the board the Family Resource Center and Parents as Teachers program provide home visits, developmental screenings and parent classes; presenters reported 2,167 home visits last year, distribution of more than 25,000 diapers annually, and expanded class offerings including GED and intermediate English classes.
At a regular meeting, Sunnyside Unified District staff updated the board on the district’s Family Resource Center and the Parents as Teachers home-visitation program, describing service levels, screening outcomes and expanded parent education offerings.
Becky Ridge, Family Resource Center/Parents as Teachers staff, told the board the Parents as Teachers affiliate in Pima County serves about 200 families annually and conducts monthly home visits. "The heart of our program is our home visitation piece," Ridge told the board, adding that last year the program completed 2,167 home visits and that about 95% of those visits were in person.
Ridge and a Family Resource Center colleague, Myrna (surname not specified in the transcript), said the program conducts ongoing developmental screening (language, motor, cognitive and social‑emotional) and refers children when delays are detected. "Last year, we referred 81 children for services," Ridge said, and noted language delays were the most common referral reason. The presenters said 16 children enrolled at Ocotillo and 16 enrolled in Head Start or other preschools through program referrals.
The presenters described expanded adult education and parent supports at the resource center: 16 families enrolled in beginning English classes this week, 20 families in an intermediate English class (offered for the first time), and 17 families participating in GED classes. Staff said the district secured childcare during classes and sometimes provides dinner for evening sessions.
Other services described included distribution of more than 25,000 diapers in the community annually, zoo-pass loans, family events (19 community events last year), targeted "cafecito" parent gatherings, and assistance connecting families to medical services and other community resources. Ridge said the program helped refer 27 families to United Way grocery funds (up to $180 of groceries delivered) this month.
Board members thanked the presenters and asked about transition planning for children moving from early‑childhood services into district preschools and kindergarten. District staff said an early‑childhood cadre was formed this year that includes Ocotillo, the TAP program and Head Start to strengthen those transitions.
Why it matters: Presenters told the board the early‑intervention focus is intended to close developmental gaps before children enter kindergarten and to increase family engagement with schools. Board members described the program as an important feeder into the district’s K‑12 system.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; staff requested continued support and recognition of the resource center’s role in early childhood success.
