25a. Pregnant and Parenting Teens Program (PPT)
INFORMATION:
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has announced the 2003-2004 continuation grants for the Pregnant and Parenting Teens (PPT) Program. All successful applicants in 2002-2003 have the opportunity of applying for level funding for the coming school year. This grant provides instruction, counseling, prenatal referral, transportation to and from school, and day care services for teenage parents and their babies. This program has been in operation for the past 15 years and is operated in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Child Care. It gives students the opportunity to complete their requirements for graduation and care for their babies. During the 2002-2003 school year, the Bethlehem Area School District received a grant in the amount of $9,800.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the adminstration be authorized to submit a continuation application for a Pregnant and Parenting Teens Program grant in the amount of $9,800 for the 2003-2004 school year.
The administration's recommendations 22, 23, 25a, and 26 were considered together. Director Leeson asked how many students are either pregnant or parenting in our schools. Mrs. Cintr—n replied that approximately 47 students have at some time during the past year been pregnant or parenting. Not all of these are involved in this PPT program for which the district is securing funds. There are approximately 14 parents who are using the nursery/day care center at Liberty High School. Director Leeson asked if the other students are finding their own resources or going without assistance. Mrs. Cintr—n stated it depends on what you mean by resources. Approximately 40 students are involved in counseling aspects. The district works very hard to try to counsel students so as to prevent second pregnancies which are very common. Not all are involved in the use of the nursery, but do take part in the counseling services and healthy beginnings program, when appropriate. This initiative is for the nursery and the counseling.