In conjunction with Heather’s recent post on education and parenting, I thought it would be beneficial to provide you all with some resources as a follow up. If education is your main reason for placing your child and you feel torn between the two, perhaps, some of the information listed below will be of help to you. Even if you make an adoption plan, I still feel that it’s beneficial to have had this information, so that you were able to make an informed decision and not have so many “what if’s” about the education factor in your decision.

For teenage expectant mothers still in high school, they have no idea how they will juggle their classes, parents, jobs, friend times, and a BABY! Studies show that teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school. So now, we are seeing those alternative school, pop up all over the place. These schools teach more than just textbooks and lecture. There is now a trend where some dads come to these schools now so that they will be able partake in the care of the child as well.

Some of the things alternative schools may offer are:

• Parenting skills



• Nutrition information



• Counseling



• A place to connect with other teen moms


• Free or low priced childcare



• On site nursing to help your baby stay as healthy as possible



• Assistance in applying for and receiving help from state agencies



• Family planning

One article states:

The curriculum in one of these programs usually brings together the traditional classes like reading, writing, and arithmetic with life skills classes such as nutrition. During pregnancy the students could learn about the changes that are going on in their body, how to take care of themselves during this time, and even take childbirth education classes that are free of charge. Once the child is born, parenting classes take the place of the pregnancy curriculum and the teens learn about their amazing newborn. The skills acquired during these classes are immense and appreciated.

I’ve tried and tried to find a list them listed for each state, but that haven’t come across one yet. So maybe if you call and ask they might just have room for you!

Whatever choice you make, I have faith that it will be the right decision for you and your baby.

Tomorow, part 3, will cover single moms in college.