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CEDEN (Center for Development Education and Nutrition) provides comprehensive services to
promote and strengthen families in need of prenatal, early childhood and parenting education.
The agency's programs seek to improve birth outcomes of pregnant adolescents and at-risk
women by providing information to reduce the incidence of premature and low birthweight
babies. The agency also provides services to prevent and reverse developmental delays,
increase positive parenting behaviors, reduce injuries and ensure timely immunizations. CEDEN
serves primarily low socio-economic status families and parents with children 0 to 5 years old
who have developmental delays or are at risk of becoming developmentally delayed.
CEDEN's services include an early childhood intervention program for children who are severely
delayed, or have a medical condition likely to result in developmental delays. CEDEN's home-based
programs accommodate family needs by working with children at child care centers,
relatives' homes, shelters for homeless or battered women, and other community shelters.
Frequency of home visits is based on family needs, ranging from weekly to monthly visits. Parent
educators deliver a series of educational materials including: early childhood stimulation activities,
age-appropriate activities, basic health and nutrition care, and home safety, and a Pro-Family
Curriculum focusing on child development, behavior, and skill building.
Program evaluations demonstrate CEDEN's effectiveness in improving the developmental status
of young children with delays. Children participating in the program maintain up-to-date
immunizations at a level higher than average for the community. Parents report great satisfaction
in learning and using alternative disciplinary methods. They also feel they understand their
children better after participating in CEDEN's programs. Parenting classes and support groups
help reduce the social isolation of Spanish-speaking mothers by facilitating friendships and
boosting self-esteem.
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Implementation Costs:
The CEDEN Family Resource Center has a number of home-based programs and a
center-based parenting education program which are available for replication. Materials include
curriculum manuals, evaluation materials, supportive education materials and training
opportunities. All of the materials are reasonably priced and available in English and Spanish.
Program services may be delivered by one or more persons depending on each community's
needs. Some training is required by CEDEN Personnel; volunteers may provide prenatal
services while it is recommended for staff to provide postnatal child development services.
Please see CEDEN's web site at www.main.org/ceden/educ.mat for
specific information regarding CEDEN's educational materials.
Training Costs:
CEDEN provides training to those who purchase their curriculum materials. Training is
conducted in one day and the cost is $500 for up to ten people. If conducted outside of Austin,
Texas travel costs are added. Program materials are to be purchased separately from training.
Follow-up training is available upon request. Those who attend training in Austin may benefit
from observing home visits conducted by veteran CEDEN staff. More information is available
on CEDEN's web site www.main.org/ceden/educ.mat
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