Oregon Parent Project (OPP)
Oregon Parent Project’s parent education classes address the needs of parents who have young children with developmental delays.
The classes are designed to promote positive parent–child interactions, reduce children’s behavior problems, and decrease parenting stress.
The OPP classes are based on the Incredible Years parent training program.
- The IY program was developed by Carolyn Webster-Stratton, PhD, at the University of Washington.
- The program has been extensively researched and field tested with more than 2,000 families.
- Children who participated in the studies were typically developing, at risk, or clinic referred because of conduct problems.
- The OPP classes are tailored to address the needs of parents who have young children with developmental delays.
Parents who have taken the course
- have learned to reduce children’s behavior problems and increase prosocial behaviors
- report that they feel more confident and comfortable with their parenting skills
- have been shown in studies to have maintained positive parent–child interactions and normal child behavior, according to 1- and 3-year follow-up assessments
In OPP parenting classes
- parents explore proven parenting strategies in an accepting environment along with other parents who are caring for young children with developmental delays
- isolation typically felt by parents is reduced
- parents are encouraged to think about their child’s unique developmental level, interests, and support needs
Components of OPP parenting classes include
- video clips of parent–child interactions
- supportive group discussion
- role-playing
- weekly homework practice activities
Watching video examples is particularly helpful because
- a variety of experiences in common family situations are portrayed
- parents can view examples of useful parenting strategies and techniques for a range of common parent–child interactions
- it encourages parents to reflect on the vignettes they’ve seen and relate them to their own situations
- it helps parents explore how the principles discussed in class apply to their children and family
- it encourages parents to draw on the wisdom and support of other parent participants in the class
- parents feel guided and supported as they learn from the group leaders
OPP parenting classes also introduce parents to the framework of applied behavior analysis, with the aim of helping parents understand the function of their children’s challenging behaviors. With this understanding, parents can respond to their children in a manner that will teach their children to use prosocial strategies to get their needs met.
Class Structure
- 8–10 families
- 12 weekly classes, 2-1/2 hours each
- Childcare and food are provided during class
- Classes are offered in community settings
Class Topics
- Blessings & Challenges of Raising a Child With Special Needs
- Developmentally Appropriate Play
- Encouraging Language Development Through Play
- Praise
- Rewards
- Understanding Children’s Misbehavior
- Handling Children’s Misbehavior(based on the principles of applied behavior analysis)
- Limit Setting
- Using Ignore, Distract, & Redirect Strategies
- Handling Our Upsetting Thoughts
- Working with Teachers and Other Caregivers
Meet the staff of the Oregon Parent Project
Download a brochure about the Oregon Parent Project
