Young Parents Education Program (YPEP)
Overview
The YPEP (Young Parents Education Program) Learning Hubs provide pregnant and parenting young people, aged between 15 and 21 years old, with an opportunity to complete their education through studying the VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) in a supported and inclusive learning environment – young parents bring their babies to classes (until babies are walking or 12 months of age, whichever comes first). Parent Support is on site at all times, so while babies remain the responsibility of the parent, the Parent Support assists with feeding, changing, settling and sleeping.
The program gives young parents the opportunity to access support and advice from a range of experts about parenting, early childhood development, financial literacy and counseling, mental health, wellbeing, legal, housing and more.
Partnership Model
The success of the YPEP Learning Hubs is largely due to the partnership that sits behind the program. This partnerrship is made up of and supported by a consortium of stakeholders including:
SELLEN, Hallam Senior College, Our Place, Windermere, City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, Foundation Learning College, Monash University, Monash Health, Anglicare, Centrelink, headspace, Oakwood School, Department of Education & Training, YMCA.
Testimonial
The YPEP program has changed my life, once I found out I was pregnant, I never thought I would be able to finish school, but with the support of the teachers, I have finished and am now working.
