YPP
Young Parents Programs
Overview
The YPEP (Young Parents Education Program) provides pregnant and parenting young people, aged between 15 and 21 years old, with an opportunity to complete their education through studying the VCE Vocational Major (new as of 2023) 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). An Early Parenting Support Practitioner (EPSP) is on site at all times, so while babies remain the responsibility of the parent, the EPSP assists with feeding, changing, settling and sleeping.
The program gives young parents access to support and advice from experts in parenting, early childhood development, financial literacy and counseling, mental health, wellbeing, legal, housing and more.
Partnership Model
The YPEP sites at Cranbourne and Narre Warren are supported by a consortium of stakeholders (listed below alphabetically) from education, early childhood development, parenting, health and wellbeing, local government:
Centrelink, Chisholm Learn Engage Connect (LEC), City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, Cranbourne Secondary College, Regional Office – Department of Education & Training, Foundation Learning Centre, Monash University, Our Place, SELLEN, Windermere.
For further information about the YPEP, please contact:
Mary Tresize-Brown
Young Parents Programs Manager
E: mtresizebrown@sellen.org.au
M: 0430445187
Research & Evaluation of the Young Parents Education Program 2019 – 2021
Undertaken by the Faculty of Education at Monash University over a three-year period, the report explores factors that contribute to the experiences of young parents within a tailored education program (YPEP), which sought to re-engage them into education and retain them until completion, while also supporting them in their parenting role. As such, it attempts to break the cycles of disadvantage for young parents.
YPEP Sites
YPEP Cranbourne
Cranbourne Secondary College
Enrolments & Enquiries: Jen or Kirstie YMTP
YPEP Educator: TBA
Early Parenting Support: Kathrine Bray
YPEP Narre Warren
Foundation Learning Centre
Enrolments & Enquiries: Jen or Kirstie YMTP
YPEP Educator: Sally Wood
Early Parenting Support: Donna Strickleton
Participant Testimonials
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.
I think I love proving people wrong and so therefore I’m coming to school because people say … …you’re going to fail in life. Like I’m at school and I’m going to go further than most people that don’t have a baby..
Yes because a lot of young people like us don’t go to school – they just stay at home and I guess like we’re coming here to do something with our lives.
Young Mothers Transition Program (YMTP)
The YMTP aims to:
- Engage (or re-engage) young mothers into education and/or sustainableemployment.
- Providesupport via coaching and case management via an individualised Education to Employment Plan that considers the education/employment needs of the young mother and underlying/compounding needs that may impact achieving education and employment goals.
- Offer coaching in focus areas of education/employment, health and wellbeing of young mother and her child/ren, parenting support, respectful relationships and linkage and referral to community services.
Anticipated Outcomes
- Young mothers will obtain a Year 12, industry certificate qualifications and transition to further education or employment.
- Pathways to enable greater stability and opportunity for young mother their child/ren andfamily.
The YMTP works alongside the mothers in the Young Parents Education Program (YPEP) at Cranbourne Secondary College, Foundation Learning Centre and Cranbourne Secondary (commencing Term 3 2022) in complimentary alignment of the education and employment goals of the young mother.
YMTP is funded by the Women’s Leadership and Development Program (WLDP) of the Office for Women in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Young Mothers Transition Program (YMTP) is the first point of contact for all interested, enquiring and enrolling young parents. Please contact Jen Orlandi on 0474 546 382 or Kirstie on 0405 941 437.
Jennifer Orlandi – jennifer@sellen.org.au
0474 546 382
(M-F 9.00am-3.00pm)
Kirstie Leach – kirstie@sellen.org.au
0405 941 437
(M, T, T 9.00am-3.00pm)
