Parent University

In partnership with HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge, DCSD's Parent University provides training, information, and resources to parents and caregivers that will aid parents in their essential responsibility for influencing children's lives. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional skills, knowledge, and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their child's learning.

New this year ... Parent University is a podcast! In response to your feedback, we've shifted from Zoom to podcast, allowing parents the flexibility to listen to these conversations at their convenience and provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation.

Have a suggestion for a future Parent University podcast topic? Email us.

Latest Podcast Episode

Past Parent University Catalog

The Happy Crew - Gathering to Support Teens

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicide, which may be triggering for some individuals. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self-harm, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

From the Happy Crew website: “Colorado ranks 41st in the US for youth mental health treatment access, with 26% of teens reporting persistent hopelessness. These aren't just statistics — they're stories waiting to be rewritten. Since 2007, Happy Crew has been showing teens they matter and belong, creating spaces where feeling alone transforms into finding community.”

Amy Mays is founder of Happy Crew, a Douglas County nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families develop the skills they need to thrive emotionally and socially.

Amy brings a thoughtful and uplifting approach to this work, and in this episode, she talks about the mission behind Happy Crew, how they’re supporting students in our community, and some simple, practical ways families can reinforce these skills at home

Teen Nicotine Usage

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of injury and death among teens nationwide. While smartphones get much of the blame, the reality is that distractions can come from anywhere — friends in the car, music, emotions, and even overconfidence behind the wheel.

To help us understand what really happens on the road and in emergency rooms, we are joined by HCA Healthone Skyridge hospital’s Trauma Nurse Coordinator and Injury Prevention Specialist Kathy Myers, RN, who has seen firsthand the consequences of distracted driving. In this discussion, she shares ways families can reduce risk and better prepare not only drivers but also passengers to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely.

Guest this week

Kathy Myers, RN, trauma nurse coordinator and injury prevention specialist at HCA HealthONE Skyridge

Host

Amy Pfister, community relations coordinator for DCSD

Resources

Embed

Sleeping and Eating Habits for Students

In this episode, host Amy Pfister welcomes special guest, Dr. Matt Hadeed, chair of pediatrics at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge, which is the sponsor of Parent University. Dr. Hadeed is a leader in pediatric health and development, and he has worked with countless families to build routines that support children’s physical and emotional well-being.

Dr. Hadeed shares his expertise on what kids really need when it comes to sleep, nutrition and daily habits — and how parents can set up their children for success both in and out of the classroom. Whether parents are navigating picky eating, bedtime battles, or just want to make healthier choices as a family, this conversation is full of practical, science-backed guidance.

Guests this week:

Dr. Matt Hadeed, chair of pediatrics at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge

Resources

HealthyChildren.org - The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website
HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge – Parent University sponsor

Finding Your Parent Community with You Are Not Alone (YANA)

November's DCSD Notebook, Parent University episode, hosted by DCSD Community Relations Coordinator Amy Pfister, features Nikki Brooker, founder of local nonprofit YANA (You Are Not Alone). Listen in as Nikki shares the incredible power of community and why having support, from your child’s first moments through the school years, can make all the difference.

Guests:

Nikki Brooker, Founder - YANA (You Are Not Alone)

Bullying Prevention and Awarenss for Parents

This is the second of two chapters in the DCSD Notebook regarding bullying prevention. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and this Parent University episode, hosted by Community Relations Coordinator Amy Pfister, features three members of the DCSD Health, Wellness and Prevention team. They discuss ways they, as professionals as well as mothers, deal with the challenges presented by bullying.

Guests:

Dr. Kelli Smith, director of Health, Wellness and Prevention
Trena Hand, Health, Wellness and Prevention lead
Hope Ebel, Health, Wellness and Prevention lead

Resources Mentioned:

“The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt
DCSD Bullying Prevention webpage
Parent University anti-bullying presentation from 2024

Infinite Possibilities at Douglas County Libraries

One of the best community spots around is the public library. If you think the library is only about checking out books, you’re missing A LOT. The library is full of fun programs, cool resources, and opportunities that can support children’s learning and give families new ways to connect.

Our guest is Jamie Gotleib, community services and partnerships manager from Douglas County Libraries, talking about the many amazing programs, resources and events at the library and how Douglas County families can get involved.

Dealing with Back-to-School Anxiety

Navigating back-to-school anxiety can affect every member of the household! Let's delve deeper into what can make kids anxious as they head back to school, and how we as parents can help support them.

Guest: Lisa Stull, Licensed Clinical Therapist and Owner of Parker-based practice, Comprehensive Counseling Solutions.

Topic: Tools and tips for parents to help children who have anxiety over the start of the new school year.

Phases of Childhood Brain Development

April 26, 2023

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Children go through cognitive changes throughout their lifetime. The age between 13 and 18 years is the adolescence or teenage stage when the growth of a child reaches its peak, as physiological, cognitive, and psychological development occur. These changes will take place differently for each tween or teenager because each child goes through the adolescence stage at their own pace.

Nutrition: What Growing Bodies Need to Eat

Career Pathways: College vs. Technical Education

Feb. 22, 2023

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This webinar is offered to parents and high school students who are interested in learning how DCSD guides students through discovery, exploration, and skill development to find a purpose and determine the best path for the future. Postsecondary Readiness [PSR] programming offers pathways to careers, college, military service, and continued education or training.

Additional resources:

License to Survive

License to Survive 2024: Driving Safety Update

License to Survive: 2023

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Join the South Metro Safety Foundation and South Metro Fire Rescue for this 'License to Survive' Webinar and learn about preparing your teen for driving. This free webinar is offered to parents and teens who are ready to begin the driving permit process. All beginning drivers are welcome to attend.

Online Safety with Y.E.S.S.

Oct. 26, 2022

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Our children are constantly communicating through phones and online. Learn about the resources that students are educated with in DCSD using the Y.E.S.S. Program (Youth Education and Safety in Schools) to keep them safe online. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Youth Education & Safety in Schools (YESS) Instructor, Deputy Sean Heidman, will be presenting on how the Y.E.S.S. Program prepares our students for online safety.

Mental Wellness: Back to School Anxiety

Sept. 28, 2022
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Beginning a new school year can be a stressful time for kids and parents alike. Join Stephanie Crawford-Goetz, Ph.D., DCSD director of mental health for Student Support Services, and Anat ‘Nati’ Geva, PsyD LP, clinical psychologist on the HCA Crisis Assessment Team (HCAT), to learn about anxiety that can come with the return to school. You will also learn about the support available to your child in DCSD schools and ways you can help!

Additional Resources:
Mental Wellness: Back to School Anxiety Presentation Slides
Mental Health Resources

Child Find Assessments: Supporting Preschool-Aged Students

Substance Use Prevention Pilot Program for Middle Schools

The Role of Today's School Counselor

Concussion Process and School Sports

Career Pathways, Post-Secondary Readiness, and Concurrent Enrollment

The Importance of Literacy in Early Childhood Development

Child Find Assessments: Supporting Preschool-Aged Children

How to Afford College

DCSD Bullying Awareness and Prevention

Career and Technical Education Pathways Available in DCSD

Empowering Young Minds: Navigating the Digital World

What is Digital Literacy? At this month's Parent University, we'll dive deep into what digital literacy means and the effects it can have on youth. We'll provide helpful tips and guidelines for parents to have a better understanding of how to navigate parenting in a digital world. Presenting at Parent University are local licensed clinical social worker Nick Thompson and DCSD Chief of Staff Steve Colella. DCSD Digital Literacy page - https://www.dcsdk12.org/schools-acade...

Family School and Community Partnerships

Empowering Student Athletes: Combating Burnout and Strategies for Success

Our March Parent University focuses on helping student athletes navigate burnout. Our featured presenter, Stacy Ingram from Cultivate Your Courage, shared warning signs to look for and strategies for success.

Stacy specializes in empowering young athletes and performers to overcome the invisible barriers that often hinder their performance. With a focus on the mental side of the game, her programs are designed to equip athletes and performers with the cognitive tools and resilience needed for success both in sports/the arts and in everyday life.

Resources from the presentation below. If you need assistance accessing these, please email.

UnderstandingAthleteBurnout.pdf

CultivateYourCourage.pdf

Volunteer Opportunities for DCSD Students and Families

Parent University

Vision

Parent University is a community collaborative empowering parents to be “power parents” by providing training, skills, and resources in the areas of (but not limited to):

Technology
Internet and Cyber Safety
Health and Wellness
Financial Literacy
Academic Success
Life Skills
Leadership Skills
Navigating the School System

Parent University provides a valuable opportunity for parents, schools and community to become jointly involved in education. The program is designed to support and empower parents to become leaders and advocates for their child's learning, resulting in greater school and community improvement.

Contact

Mission

Parent University will educate, empower and connect families with community resources needed to build parent and student confidence, enhance character development and teach life skills in order to help increase the likelihood of family success in academic endeavors.

Parent University is designed to:

Increase parental involvement and participation in schools.
Empower parents to become effective advocates for their children.
Strengthen home-school-community partnerships.
Allow parents an opportunity to network with professionals and other parents.
Help parents develop the skills needed to implement positive parenting practices.
Equip parents with the knowledge and awareness of resources available to them.