NYSPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: VITO BORRELLO

As a collaborative, NYSPEP creates a strong statewide network which provides members an opportunity to learn from each other, discover various parenting education programs, and strengthen connections throughout the state. NYSPEP invites you to expand your own network by reaching out to individuals who are committed to developing strong partnerships.

NYSPEP Member Spotlight: Vito Borrello 

Vito J. Borrello serves on the NYSPEP Steering Committee and is focused on developing strong partnerships with the public and private sectors regionally and nationally, in order to elevate policies and practices for parenting education and family engagement in education.

Since 1995, Vito J. Borrello has served as President of EPIC - Every Person Influences Children. EPIC is a national organization providing prevention programs which have been implemented in 16 states and Singapore that help families, schools and communities raise children to become responsible and capable adults.

Mr. Borrello serves as a member of the National Family, School and Community Engagement Working Group, and just completed two terms as an At-Large Board Member for National PTA. He is also a Board member with NY State PTA. In 2011, he was appointed by the NY State Education Department for the workgroups Teacher Standards and Striving Readers.

Mr. Borrello is Chairman for the Care Management Coalition of Western New York. He is a Board Member for Buffalo's Read to Succeed literacy initiative and the University of Buffalo's Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention. He also serves on the NY State Family Engagement Coalition Steering Committee.

Mr. Borrello is a 2009 graduate of the Community Health Foundation Fellowship program and a 1998 graduate of Leadership Buffalo. He has a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Wittenberg University and resides in East Amherst, New York with his wife, Maria, and daughters, Marisa, and Samantha.

Poverty Affects Early Childhood, Parenting Styles, and Long-Term Outcomes

Nicholas D. Kristof, New York Times columnist and two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, recently penned an editorial exposing poverty's effects on children. He states evidence that we are loosing President Lyndon Johnson's "war on poverty". He further suggests investing in our nation and its children by diverting foreign war funding to early childhood programs.

Kristof cites disparity of educational opportunities between children residing in wealthy neighborhoods and those from low-income areas, and relates the disparity to different parenting styles, attitudes, and behaviors. Kristof recounts an experience from his own childhood. A friend's grandparent forced his friend to return a library card. If you're wondering why, please CLICK HERE to read the full article...

Young Child Expo & Conference

Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education and Los Niños Services are sponsoring the 10th Annual Young Child Expo & Conference to take place from April 17th- 19th, 2013. The primary purpose of the event is to provide parents and professionals with information and resources to help all children reach their full potential. Click on the flyer below for more details on this event.

NYSPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LIZ BELSITO

Are you interested in learning more about initiatives throughout the state? NYSPEP is pleased to introduce another individual who has dedicated herself to making a positive impact in the field of parenting education. Member Spotlights are an invitation to begin conversations and build bridges. Start networking by commenting below or email nyspep@preventchildabuseny.org

NYSPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LIZ BELSITO

Liz Belsito, MSW, sits on the Steering Committee of the New York State Parenting Education Partnership (NYSPEP). She also serves as Co-Chair for NYSPEP's New Parent Kit Workgroup. Through NYSPEP, Liz is working to develop resource materials for expectant parents.

Liz works as the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Project Coordinator at the NYS Council on Children and Families in Rensselaer, NY. She coordinates the Community Café project, which promotes parent leadership and strengthens community supports for parents. She also works closely with the NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council.

Before joining the Council on Children and Families, Liz worked in several direct service positions. She was as a Homeless Outreach Worker in Denver, Colorado. She was also a supervisor at a program for mothers with a history of addition and homelessness located in Central Massachusetts.

NYSPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MEG AKABAS

Did you know that nearly twenty volunteers across the state serve on NYSPEP's Steering Committee? NYSPEP intends to improve its communications, build bridges, and invite more conversations in 2013. NYSPEP is pleased to introduce the individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a positive impact in the field of parenting education. The NYSPEP Member Spotlight will be featured throughout the year on this blog and in our eNewsletter.

NYSPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MEG AKABAS 

Meg Akabas, NYSPEP-CPE, is a member of the NYSPEP Steering Committee and Tier II awardee of the NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential. She has over 18 years of leadership experience in nursery and elementary schools. She has more than 20 years personal experience as a parent. 

Meg is the founder of Parenting Solutions in New York City. She regularly facilitates workshops and provides one-on-one consultations for parents and teachers. Meg states, "I firmly believe parenting education is for everyone - not just 'struggling' parents."

NYSPEP is excited to share two pieces of news concerning Meg, who is also an author. Meg recently wrote an article for Parenting.com. The article was also picked up by Huffington Post Parents and CNN. Meg suggests parents resolve to give themselves a break and think small. Click here to read A Different Kind of Parenting Resolution.

Meg also authored a new book 52 Weeks of Parenting Wisdom: Effective Strategies for Raising Happy, Responsible Kids. The book offers step-by-step strategies to make one single, attainable, positive change per week. The chapters cover specific topics of concern and are effective for infancy through elementary school ages.

A public launch party for 52 Weeks of Parenting Wisdom will be held Tuesday, January 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Bank Street Bookstore located at 112th Street and Broadway in New York City. When you meet Meg, be sure to thank her for volunteering to serve NYSPEP. 

Resources for Parents, Families and Supporters Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting – The Aftermath

NYSPEP extends our wholehearted condolences to the families, friends, and communities who lost precious loved ones in the horrific tragedy.

Concerned parents are asking schools, day-care centers, and after school community programs about safety procedures and preparedness. Is there an emergency-management plan? What safety protocols are in place? Is there an alert-system? Are there practice drills? These are just a few questions parents are asking school officials and program administrators.

Parents may opt to shield their child/ren from news about the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Children need a sense of safety! Nonetheless, children may become exposed to information via peers at school, while visiting a friend, seeing a tabloid headline, overhearing a grown-up conversation, etc.

Senseless acts of violence can be especially difficult for adults to explain to children. How can parents and caregivers address tragedy in a helpful way? How can educators, counselors, clergy, community leaders, and other family helpers assist and support parents with this difficult task?

NYSPEP has compiled a list of resources for parents, families, and parenting and family support professionals. Many of these singular resources contain additional tools and resources.

If you know of a resource or tool that would be helpful to include, please comment below or email nyspep@preventchildabuseny.org

American Psychological Association Article: Helping Your ChildrenManage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting

---

Brene Brown, Ph.D. – Ordinary Courage – Blog (a gentle presentation of multiple resources): Prayers for the Sandy Hook Elementary School Community

---

CYFERnet Toolkit (multiple resources): Hot Topic: Coping With Violence and National Tragedy

---

FEMA: Ready.Org Listen, Protect, Connect - Model & Teach workbook: Psychological First Aid for Students and Teachers 

---

The Fred Rodgers Company Webpage: Fred Rogers Talks About Tragic Events in the News

---

Huffington Post Article: Co-authored by Lloyd Sederer, MD, Medical Director of the New York State Office of Mental Health: Children's Mental Health After the Shooting in Newtown

---

Massachusetts Children’s Trust Fund: One Tough Job (multiple resources): Nurturing Your Family – Changes & Transitions:Talking About Tragic Events

---

National Child Traumatic Stress Network Toolkit (multiple resources) Terrorism: Catastrophic Mass Violence

---
National Education Association Health Information Network: School Crisis Guide: Help and Healing in a Time of Crisis 
--- 
New York Life bereavement guide: After A Loved One Dies: How Children Grieve: And How Parents and Other Adults Can Support Them 
---

Safe Start Center Toolkit (multiple resources): Children Exposed to Violence in the School

---

Safe Start Center Toolkit (multiple resources): Trauma Informed Care Tip Sheets

---

Safe Start Center PDF Guide (multiple resources): Healing the Invisible Wounds: Children’s Exposure to Violence – A Guide for Families

---

Sesame Street PDF Guide for Parents and Caregivers: Here For Each Other: Helping Families After An Emergency

---

Sesame Street Toolkit (multiple resources): Grief Resources and Distribution Partners

---

Sesame Street Webpage: Topics for Parents: Grief

---

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration PDF Toolkit (multiple resources): Resources for Children and Youth During or After a Disaster

---

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration PDF Guide (helpline resources): Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents,Caregivers, and Teachers

---

US Dept. of Education - Readiness and Emergency Management System for Schools PDF tip sheet: Helpful Hints for School Emergency Management 
---

Washington Post Article: School Shooting: How Parents Can Help Their Children Cope

---

Zero To Three (multiple resources): Little Listeners: Helping Young Children Cope After Exposure to a Traumatic Event

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

"A Terrible Thing Happened: A Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma" by Margaret M. Holmes

---

"The Boy Who Didn't Want to be Sad" by Rob Goldblatt teaches feelings such as happiness and sadness are natural experiences in life.

---

"Is a Worry Worrying You?" by Ferida Wolff addresses children’s worries with humor and imagination teaching the use of perspective and the art of creative problem solving.

---

"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst teaches interconnectedness and love to address fear of loneliness or separation

HOW TO HELP – DONATE – VOLUNTEER

American School Counselor Association: How To Help Sandy Hook

---

Newtown Youth and Family Services (provides counseling services): Information and Donations

---

Newtown Parent Connection (grassroots organization to address substance use and abuse among young people in the community): Donations and Volunteering of Clinical/Counseling Services

National Baby Facts: Infants, Toddlers, and their Families in the United States

Statistics demonstrate the need for NYSPEP's ongoing and evolving work to support parents in raising their children. NYSPEP achieves this through various initiatives including the development of a New Parent Kit, providing informative webinars, and facilitating Community Cafes. NYSPEP also standardizes excellence for parenting educators through the NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential and Strong Roots Last A Lifetime trainings.

ZERO TO THREE has issued a FREE and Downloadable publication with valuable facts and other information about babies and their families. It describes many of the issues that babies around the country are facing today and illustrates what it takes to raise a healthy child in a safe and nurturing environment. This resource serves as a tool for parents and parenting professionals.

To obtain this resource, click here to download the file.