A Florida International University researcher is promoting the Children’s Trust Parent Club, a free parenting program that serves caregivers across Miami-Dade County. Dr. Katie C. Hart, director of FIU’s Center for Children and Families, wrote the piece as part of the program’s outreach.
The club is a partnership between FIU’s center, the University of Miami’s Mailman Center and Be Strong International. It offers workshops on topics across a child’s life, with sessions in multiple languages, online and in schools, libraries and churches. Some sessions include childcare.
Hart said the program served 7,129 families in its first year and reached more than 20,000 last year. Families now have more than 25 opportunities each week to attend.
The Children’s Trust, funded through ad valorem property taxes, was approved by voters in 2002 and renewed in 2008. The club’s workshops have shifted to address screen time, social media and artificial intelligence.
Through the Miami-Dade County Public Libraries, the club runs READy, Set, Go, Miami! sessions for caregivers and young children. Parents who attend three or more sessions can get free passes to local family events such as the zoo, movies, concerts and sporting events.
Details on joining are available on the Children’s Trust Parent Club website.
