The Strengthening Families framework is a research-informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Parental resilience, social connections, concrete support in times of need, knowledge of parenting and child development, and social and emotional competence are at the core of this approach.

Research studies support the common-sense notion that when these protective factors, or family strengths are well established, optimal child and youth development are likely to transpire (cssp.org). Implementing Strengthening Families is about small, but significant changes in everyday practices. The following resources are organized to support both parents and teachers in engaging young children in creating joyful learning experiences.

• Brain Building with Vroom

• Creative Curriculum

• National Head Start Association Free Resources

• 5toOne CARES

• Teaching Strategies Birth through Third Grade

• High Scope Activities

• Reading Rockets

• Harvard: Center on the Developing Child

• Zero to Three

• Raising Dragons

• National Geographic

• NAEYC

• Conscious Discipline

• Challenging Behavior -How to Give Clear Directions

• Challenging Behavior-Understanding the Meaning

• Challenging Behaviors-Recognize and Understand Frustration

• Challenging Behavior-Positive Language

• Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning

• Helping Children Cope with Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak

• Mindfulness Schools

• Resilience Booster: Parent TIP TOOL

• Sesame Street

• 5toOne

• NMCAA

• United Way

• Food Distribution

• Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center

• Northern Lakes Community Mental Health- Non-Emergency Mental Health Support

• Regional Teddy Bear Hunt

• Happily Family

• Mayo Clinic

• National Head Start Association

• MSU-Strategies to Cope with Family Stress

• Childcare Education Institute-Self-Care

• Brene Brown

• CDC-Stress and Coping