YPEP
Young Parents Education Program
Young parents:
- Study with other young parents in a supported and holistic education program.
- Complete Year 12 study in VCE, VM or VPC.
- Obtain direct experience in business and industry through completing a VET qualification, developing the skills and attitudes required in the workplace.
- Have access to the Early Parenting Support Practitioner (EPSP) on site every day to assist with care, feeding, sleeping, settling of baby.
- Actively participate in incursions and excursions.
- Pathway to an apprenticeship, traineeship, employment or further study.
- Explore parenting and join in early childhood workshops.
- Are fully supported while in education and with making the transition to further education, training or employment by the Transition Coaches with the Young Mothers Transition Program (YMTP).
YPEP is an initiative of SELLEN that commenced in 2015 as a pilot led by Mary Tresize-Brown, trialled in various sites, including government secondary colleges and community education providers with research and evaluation undertaken by the Faculty of Education at Monash University. The pilot phase ended in December 2024 and YPEP now operates YPEP operates at Foundation College, Narre Warren and Frankston.
Referral is via the YMTP Senior Transition Coach, Jen Orlandi – jennifer@sellen.org.au
Research & Evaluation of the
Young Parents Education Program
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 Narre Warren
YPEP Frankston
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.
