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The Step By Step Program

Preventing Child Neglect
through competence-based
assessment and intervention
for parents with
Learning Difficulties

Sunrise Tour

Professionally Presented Program

Cloud with Silver Lining

Competence & Context Based Rights Model

Evidence Based Practice

Sunrise over the Wheat Field

Universal Design Principles

Ray of Light

What is Step By Step?

The Step By Step Program was developed by Professor Maurice Feldman at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. He is considered a world-leader on parenting by persons with learning difficulties. The primary objective of the program is to reduce child neglect due to parenting skill deficits and promote the preservation of families.

 

It is the only regional program specializing in evidence-based parenting education designed specifically for and tested for adults with cognitive challenges

What Are Learning Difficulties?

Learning Difficulties is a term that encompasses a variety of conditions that could impact an individual's ability to learn new skills. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Having had an IEP or 504 while in school

  • Learning Disabilities

  • ADHD

  • Extreme Anxiety

  • Expressive/Receptive Language Delay

  • Low Literacy 

  • Executive function challenges

  • Borderline Intellectual Disability

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

  • Brain Injuries

  • Learn Best Through Hands On/Interactive 

  • Experiencing Overwhelm with Grief, Trauma, etc

Why Focus on Parents with Learning Difficulties?

  • There is an overrepresentation of these cases in child welfare proceedings.

  • Children of parents with learning disabilities may be at risk for developmental, school-related, and behavioral issues, especially when parents do not receive training and families are left supported.

  • Children of parents with learning disabilities may be at risk for attachment issues related to parental history of trauma, not parental IQ.

  • Parents with learning disabilities may be presumed to be incompetent or unable to benefit from parenting education resources.

What Does Sunrise Step By Step Offer?

  • Competence-based parenting intake/summary of barriers and supports 

  • Skill assessment checklist observations

  • Parent Education Plans (PEP) plans individualized to each home unit with monthly documentation and measurable data

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