Welcome to our FAQ page! We know that starting or returning to school as a young parent can come with a lot of questions — and we’re here to help. Whether you’re wondering about enrolment, childcare, support services, or how our program works, you’ll find answers to our most common questions below.
1. What is the SPCC Young Parents (YP) Model and what makes it unique?
The SPCC YP Model is a tailored educational approach designed to meet the complex needs of young parents and their children. It's based on research and the college's own experience, emphasising a safe and supportive environment where young parents feel connected and empowered. This includes a specialised dual generational environment where young parents can complete their HSC (high school certificate) while their children engage in Early Learning, minimising barriers to educational success.
2. What are some of the barriers young parents face in accessing education?
Young parents face a multitude of challenges including:
- Parenting at a young age
- Difficulty connecting with social supports
- Lack of accessible transport
- Unstable mental health
- Lack of positive mentoring
- Financial hardship
- Family and domestic violence
- Homelessness or unstable housing
3. How does the SPCC YP Model address generational change?
The program is focused on breaking negative generational cycles by:
- Providing education and support for young parents.
- Offering quality early learning and intervention services for the children of Young Parents.
- Collecting data to measure outcomes and track the impact of the program.
4. What is the importance of the Early Learning Centre in the SPCC YP Model?
The Early Learning Centre recognises the importance of early intervention for later educational success. It supports children by:
- Building attachment and co-regulation strategies
- Focusing on language development
- Modeling routines
- Building confidence in parenting
- Working collaboratively with the Young Parents College to deliver capacity building parenting programs
5. How does SPCC YP ensure program sustainability and growth?
The program focuses on several key areas to ensure sustainability:
- Maintaining and growing enrolment
- Building reputation and awareness
- Securing funding through grants and charitable status
- Building connections and advocating for young parents
6. What is the teaching and learning approach at SPCC YP?
SPCC YP offers a three-year HSC program to enable part time study, focusing on:
- Building a culture of success and love of learning
- Celebrating achievements to boost young parents' belief in themselves
- Employing dynamic, experienced teachers
- A trauma informed approach to learning emphasizing a calm and predictable learning environment, consistent routines and equipping students for readiness to learn.
- Explicit instruction
- Individualised Learning Support
7. What kind of wellbeing support does SPCC YP provide?
Recognising the numerous challenges young parents face, SPCC YP provides:
- An enrichment program to develop social skills, emotional resilience, and build parenting capacity
- Access to a social worker, wellbeing support, and chaplaincy services
8. How does SPCC YP approach partnerships and community building?
Understanding the complex needs of young parents, SPCC YP partners with various services to provide holistic support:
- Building a strong community with external services
- Evaluating existing partnerships
- Collaborating with organisations to address issues like homelessness, domestic violence, and trauma
If you haven't found what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out — we’d love to chat with you.