The One Hundred Children’s Foundation Highlights: Parent University and the Early Learning College

Parent University and the Early Learning College are nonprofits that offer free parenting and life skills and training opportunities for parents. Their mission is to maximize parent-learning by creating a strong bridge between the community and the school. Parents are encouraged to teach each other and become leaders in the community. Parent University and the Early Learning College provide support, guidance, and nurturing to assure the realization of family success.

Sessions are offered through both in-person and Zoom opportunities. As many as 10 classes are taught by certified child development specialists or experts in their field. Parents choose which classes to attend. Topics include how to navigate the school environment, the importance of interactive reading to children, how to buy a house, etc.

In addition to the classes offered, vendors from the community are available to share information about available resources.

Parents demonstrate a thirst for knowledge, and when presented correctly, the parents feel ownership of the process and build invaluable relationships with others in their community.

Studies have shown that the first three years of a child’s life are crucial for brain development. Parents need to be reminded that they are their child’s first teacher, and the Early Learning College teaches parenting skills to the parents and caregivers of children birth to five years of age.

Michael O’Neal founded Parent University in 1999. To date, it has taught parenting skills to more than 8,000 parents. Parents graduate and receive a diploma(s) and feel tremendous pride in their success and with their new tools for parenting.

Michael O’Neal and his team are expanding the model of Parent University nationwide in Florida, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Knoxville, Tennessee.

The One Hundred Children’s Foundation (The OHCF) assists Parent University and the Early Learning College by bringing hundreds of books for all ages to the Parent University’s in-person sessions, including books for adults. In November, The OHCF brought 367 books all of which were taken home. Multi-cultural and young adult chapter books are very popular. Jane Martin and Linda Stephens are Co-chairs of The OHCF Volunteer Activities Committee.