TEAM (Teen Education and Mothering)
What is it?
TEAM Clarington is a collaborative program designed to support pregnant teens and mothers aged 14 – 21 develop their parenting skills while simultaneously pursuing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students will also benefit from onsite care for their infants up to the age of 18 months. Young women will achieve these outcomes with the assistance of professional staff and volunteers from a variety of community organizations.
Participants in the program will receive wrap around support. Students will be working on their individual academic programs as they earn credits towards their OSSD. In addition to classroom learning, there will be parenting and life skills programming that address health and nutrition, baby needs, life skills and other topics based on the needs and interests of both the participants and their babies. The expectation is that participants partake in both the academic and life skills/ parenting programming.
What about the Babies?
TEAM Clarington has an ECE on site to mind children while students are working at their academics. The ECE will create a safe, warm environment for babies aged 6 weeks to 18 months, and will work with moms to understand their individual children’s needs. There will be a transition time for moms to get comfortable with the adjustment to both the childcare room and the classroom.
How do we refer?
Referrals can be made to TEAM Clarington by potential participants, community agencies and schools by calling the TEAM Facilitator. Initially, a tour will be arranged with the potential participant and her support person (parent, guidance counsellor, friend, etc.) The young mom and TEAM Clarington staff will decide together if the program is a good fit. Once information has been gathered, next steps for entry will be taken.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the program facilitator.
Diane Westerman
TEAM Clarington Program Facilitator
diane.westerman@jhsdurham.on.ca
905-623-4333
