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The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers
Teen Parent School Program

Bodhi Simpson, Director
(207) 873-4253

E-mail:

bsimpson@mainechildrenshome.org


Bodhi Simpson, LCPC, ATR, Teen Parent School Program Director

The Teen Parent School Program at the Maine Children's Home is an alternative high school program for pregnant and parenting teens. Our school program has been in existence since 1974. At the time of its inception, it was the first school program of this type north of Boston. The program provides prenatal and parenting instruction along with academic and life skills courses. All students are registered as Waterville High School students and work toward earning a Waterville High School diploma. The Waterville Alternative Education program and the Teen Parent School Program are located in Lunder Hall at the Dorothy "Bibby" Alfond Campus and has four certified teachers on location, and other teachers from Waterville High School come to teach specific courses. A full-time Clinician is available to support students with individual and group counseling. On-campus childcare is also available, free of cost, to students while enrolled in our program. This school program is open to all pregnant and parenting teens statewide.

Achieving financial and emotional independence is a tremendous feat in anyone's life. Early parenthood can make the journey more challenging, but not hopeless. Our aim is to remove as many deterrents as possible and then to build on the strengths of each young parent. Our goal is to help teen parents understand the concept of positive parenting, to support and assist them as they learn to deal with troublesome issues, and to provide a high quality and relevant education so they can acquire the knowledge and skills to move forward in a healthy life style.

How do I register?

Anyone who is interested in enrolling or obtaining more information about the program should call the director of the school program, Bodhi Simpson, at (207) 873-4253. If a teen feels that he or she is interested in enrolling, they need to register at the Waterville High School and talk to the guidance department and let them know that they are interested in the Teen Parent School Program. An intake interview will then be scheduled.  During the interview, the potential student will receive an overview of the program and an intake form will be completed. There will also be an initial assessment of whether this program will meet the student's needs.

What courses are offered?

The following classes are offered: English, US History, World History, Health, Prenatal Instruction, Parenting, Independent Living, Cultures and Cuisines, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, Physical Science, Government, Fine Arts, Career Exploration, PE, Creative Design, Business Math, Pre-algebra, Psychology and Work Experience.

All students also participate in a weekly support group session. This group time includes guest speakers, presentations on pertinent issues, and general discussions.

How much will it cost me to attend this school?

There is no cost. However, students are charged for textbooks and school materials that are not returned.

What is the size of the classes?

Our classes have between 5 and 20 students. Most classes have fewer than 15 students.

What do I do about childcare for my child while I'm in school?

The Children's Place is an on-site childcare center for infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers that is free of cost to teen parents attending our program.

How will I get to school?

Students are expected to have transportation to and from school. If transportation is an issue, the director will help students find transportation services. Occasional transportation to and from school is available, on a limited basis, to students who live within a five-mile radius of the school AND who have no other means of transportation.

Will I receive any help with college plans?

Students receive help with college planning from the Waterville High Guidance Office and from the director of the teen parent school. Education plans are formulated and reviewed with each student. Field trips to local colleges are included each year.

"The Program That Changed Us All"

There's a program you all would know,
It helps parenting teens as they grow.

There's childcare, moral support, and education,
This place is so wonderful; it helps us with all the frustration.

We all go through some prety bad twisters,
Because of thiis we are close, like family, like sister.

The teachers are wonderful and always there,
With them there is nothing we cannot share.

They have helped us to control our anger and our stress,
So our lives and our children don't become lost and a mess.

They have made us better parents and taught us well,
It's going to be so hard to say farewell.

We thank them so much and this is true,
Thank you Teen Parent School Program, because of you, we definitely grew.

Written by Lea Hartin, 2006
Dedicated to the Teen Parent School Program
at The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers


 
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