Jodi Whiteman, Director for Center for Training Services Z ERO TO T HREE Carla Keener, Senior Administrator, Continuum of Care and Linkages, F IRST 5 A LAMEDA C OUNTY Exploring the Café Model: Discovering a New Way to Engage in Meaningful Conversations

Provides forum for parent-to-parent conversation Levels the playing field...everyone participates with their ‘family hat’ on Encourages deep listening—to self and others Offers a new way to make connections Raises awareness both of how much we know and how much there is to learn Allows for and honors the sharing of ideas, resources, and experiences Gain insight and hope Celebrates the wisdom in the room! Purpose & Goals of Cafes

Parent and Community Cafés are derived from the World Café model Cafés are a method of facilitating meaningful, reflective conversations that promote leadership and collaboration In 2008 MN began implementing the Center for Study of Social Policy’s (CSSP) Strengthening Families Framework and the Illinois Strengthening Families, Love is Not Enough Parent Cafés Model Background

To support and nurture child care providers, families and providers, MN Department of Human Services decided to contract with ZERO TO THREE to craft a manual utilizing structured conversations within communities that: Promote the protective factors Build on parent engagement Utilize the framework created by the Strengthening Families Illinois Parent Café Emphasize the important of culture as woven through ZERO TO THREE’s, Parents and Providers: Sharing the Care handouts Background

Minnesota Café Model The Minnesota Café Model are guided conversations about topics for caregivers that help to promote the optimal development of Minnesota’s children. Promote community conversations with parents, child care providers and community leaders on how to implement the protective factors when caring for our youngest children It was important to weave culture throughout the model as this is a key consideration when looking at the protective factors

First 5 Alameda County Model In 2011 First 5 Alameda County implemented the CSSP framework, using the Illinois model, in three (3) East Oakland communities Parent Cafes were introduced in Alameda County as a strategy to support Project LAUNCH. The major goals included: Reduce social isolation Support community development efforts Enhance parent engagement and leadership efforts Promote the Strengthening Families/Protective Factor framework, as a strength-based approach to improving outcomes for young children and their families

I.Welcome II.Introductions III.One-on-One Conversations IV.Café Table Discussion Questions V.Group Reflection VI.Closing Exercise/Practice/Ritual VII. Additional Resources & Evaluations Café Agenda

Formal Greeting & Welcome Posting of the Parent Café Menu Review of Ground Rules/Café Agreements Dyad (One-on-One Exercise) Table Discussion and Rotation Sharing and Posting of Participant Feedback Harvesting Reference to Resources (including MH Consultant) Closing Exercise

One-One Conversations Facilitator Introduces One-on-One Conversations Pair Up Active Listening Time Limited – 2 minutes each person Each Café has a unique conversation activity

One-on-One Conversation: Build Strong Parent/ Caregiver-Provider Partnerships FACILITATOR READS: Today we are talking about partnerships with others. Each of us has someone we go to when we really want to talk about something. You do not need to share that person’s name, but what his or her relationship is to you. Ask the participants to think about: How do you feel when you are with that person? What does the person specifically do to help you feel that way?”

Facilitator 1.Introduce moving onto main café conversations 2.Explain process to participants One question at each table 10 minutes for each question Host remains Introduce table Hosts 3.Hand process over to Hosts Main Café Conversations

Host Be patient Remember your body language, make eye contact, lean- in, nod to acknowledge contributions Be comfortable with silence Encourage participants to go deeper by asking them to say more or describe how they feel Share your own understanding of the questions and how it relates to you and your family (as appropriate) Main Café Conversations

Question A How do you work with others to support a child’s development? Question B What characteristics support a strong parent/caregiver- provider partnership? Question C What challenges have you experienced with parent/caregiver – provider partnerships? Café Conversation Questions : Building Parent/Caregiver – Provider Partnerships

What came up for you when discussing the question? What are you taking away from the conversation (one word reflection)? How is this café process similar or different from other parent/caregiver/provider activities you’ve experienced before? How might cafes be used in your work? Harvest

Café Conversations can bring up sensitive issues that participants may be facing within their families, local, or national community. Sensitive Issues Think about… 1.When a parent cries, or becomes overwhelmed, how do we respond? 2.How do we support participants in a helpful way that doesn’t try to fix their situation or comes across as judgmental? 3.How do we guide a participant who dominates the group? 4.How do we help de-escalate a disagreement between participants? 5.What do we do when we are triggered?

Adaptations Culture Family Composition Language Literacy Adolescent Parents Father/Male Caregiver Schools, Faith-Based Community

Questions?