Fundamentals of S.T.E.A.M. with D.A.D!

K-12 STEAM Education

South LA

Applying a proven model or solution to a new issue or sector (e.g., using a job recruiting software or strategy to match clients to supportive housing sites, applying demonstrated strategies from advocating for college affordability to advocating for housing affordability and homelessness, etc.)

Faced with overwhelming statistics of single parent homes, and children growing up without proper tools and guidance from positive male role models in low-income communities in South Los Angeles. D.A.D Project is changing the culture of education systems by providing father/parent engagement programs that emphasize school readiness, and family well-being. D.A.D Project programs are designed to offer fathers/ parents a safe space in the education system to learn, empower, develop, and lead their families/ communities. We are addressing the needs in underserved communities who have been stricken by the harsh reality of socioeconomic disadvantages and systemic racism by developing the 3 pillars of father engagement where our primary programs are: 1)Man Cave Support Groups, 2)School Readiness, 3)Family Health and Wellness. Our goal is to continue to empower the culture of fatherhood and support our research on the effects of father engagement and child development outcomes.

It is our goal throughout this project to identify barriers that fathers face on a daily basis, create a safe space for fathers within the education system, and provide educational resources for fathers to support their child’s academic development. D.A.D Project programs are designed to support the domains of the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework (PFCE) outlined by the Department of Head Start for children ages 0-5. Considering, the bases of our approach steeped in the Head Start model, we provide skills to all fathers, parents and positive male role models to be better prepared for school readiness. We focus on STEAM, Literacy, building appropriate social skills, educational system navigation, and resource connection as vital parts to connecting family to community. Parents are encouraged to attend strength-based parenting programs that run concurrent with their child’s local school district. Parents will attend Man Cave workshops, School Readiness Events, D.A.D ‘s Day Outs, and Community Resource Distribution to develop skills necessary to support their children academic, cognitive and physical development. Our programs have proven to meet the needs of the community by addressing issues related to fatherless homes, childhood obesity, and child development learning outcomes. Success looks like families being more prepared to help their child navigate their learning journey.

D.A.D PROJECT is a recognized leader in strengthening the ability of fathers and male role models to effectively engage with their children’s academic development. It is proven that providing safe spaces where fathers can share and strengthen their own parenting styles has a direct effect on the following parent and child outcomes listed below. Parent Outcomes - Families are safe, healthy, have opportunities for educational advancement and economic mobility. -Parents and families observe, guide, promote, and participate in the everyday learning of their children at home, at school, and in their communities. -Parents and families form connections with peers, mentors, and other community members through formal or informal social networks. Child Outcomes -Engaged in positive parent child relationships -provide critical thinking and problem-solving opportunities. -create a safe space for fathers and children to learn together. -children are ready for school

We are currently collaborating with First 5 LA, Montebello Unified School District, PBS SoCal and many other community based organizations in Los Angeles County. Program success is measured based on feedback from parents provided by program evaluations. Our programs are evidence based where we utilize a combination of 24/7 Dad along with our own topics of discussion identified in previous parent interest survey. Evaluation Data/Documentation Used to Determine Program Outcomes: Program Evaluations- Upon completion of each program participants are required to provide feedback on their personal experience for each workshop. Program success are measured by attendance, and outcomes of each evaluation. Program Summaries- An in-depth summary composed on an outline of the goals and objectives of each program along with a summary of the activities and child development outcomes.