Dr. Silvia Vilches is an Early Childhood Extension Specialist with Alabama Cooperative Extension System (aces.edu). As part of this role, she conducts professional development workshops, leads parenting education programs, and serves as a collaborator on the national Just in Time Parenting National Leadership Council. Students may be interested in contributing to publications (based on research papers and with guidance to meet standards) in the Extension Publications lab course. Participation serves as training in "translational science" which is the art of communicating evidence-based information for the benefit of people.
Extension Publications Lab
Dates: Typically Fall Semesters only
Would you like to be published? The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) offers parenting support throughout Alabama through Human Sciences Extension. Dr. Vilches hosts a translation science parent education publication lab in the fall through a directed studies course. The goal is to explore on-line parenting education opportunities and communications. Students are required to learn basic of science communication by revising one publication in a mentored environment, and may either revise a second or pursue an independent publication. There are opportunities to participate in doing research on and piloting parenting education innovations. Course credit may be offered.
For more information, contact Dr. Silvia Vilches.
Would you like to be published? The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) offers parenting support throughout Alabama through Human Sciences Extension. Dr. Vilches hosts a translation science parent education publication lab in the fall through a directed studies course. The goal is to explore on-line parenting education opportunities and communications. Students are required to learn basic of science communication by revising one publication in a mentored environment, and may either revise a second or pursue an independent publication. There are opportunities to participate in doing research on and piloting parenting education innovations. Course credit may be offered.
For more information, contact Dr. Silvia Vilches.
Tuning in to Kids Parenting Education
Dates: 2019 - ongoing
Tuning in to Kids is an evidence based parenting program developed by Dr. Sophie Havighurst and Dr. Ann Harley in Melbourne, Australia with research trials conducted through the University of Melbourne. The program focuses on the emotional connection between parents and children. The program teaches parents skills in emotion coaching, which is to recognize, understand and manage their own and their children’s emotions. Tuning in to Kids teaches parents to use children’s emotional experiences as an opportunity for closeness and teaching, as well as to understand and use emotions effectively to self soothe and to use these skills to assist in problem solving and limit setting. Tuning in to Kids is a six-session weekly program with a structured manual for group facilitators to follow. The manual includes comprehensive background information, session plans, session notes, printed and electronic versions of parent handouts and a DVD demonstrating the parenting skills with families from a range of cultural backgrounds. Tuning in to Kids covers key skills using direct teaching, demonstration, small group exercises, role plays and group discussion. The manuals are complete kits for use in both clinical and community settings. Parent handouts are available in multiple languages.
For More Information, contact Dr. Silvia Vilches.
Inquire into your local Extension office to locate a current program delivery.
Tuning in to Kids is an evidence based parenting program developed by Dr. Sophie Havighurst and Dr. Ann Harley in Melbourne, Australia with research trials conducted through the University of Melbourne. The program focuses on the emotional connection between parents and children. The program teaches parents skills in emotion coaching, which is to recognize, understand and manage their own and their children’s emotions. Tuning in to Kids teaches parents to use children’s emotional experiences as an opportunity for closeness and teaching, as well as to understand and use emotions effectively to self soothe and to use these skills to assist in problem solving and limit setting. Tuning in to Kids is a six-session weekly program with a structured manual for group facilitators to follow. The manual includes comprehensive background information, session plans, session notes, printed and electronic versions of parent handouts and a DVD demonstrating the parenting skills with families from a range of cultural backgrounds. Tuning in to Kids covers key skills using direct teaching, demonstration, small group exercises, role plays and group discussion. The manuals are complete kits for use in both clinical and community settings. Parent handouts are available in multiple languages.
For More Information, contact Dr. Silvia Vilches.
Inquire into your local Extension office to locate a current program delivery.
Just In Time Parenting (JITP)
Dates: ongoing
What parents say about the JITP newsletter:
"This was the best resource!! It was just the right 'dosage' and delivered at the right time! I loved the regular emails during the first year!!"
"I value the timing of the newsletters and the content included. It is timely and relevant. It provides information and tips without being overwhelming or making me feel judged. The information comes from professionals and research."
The JITP project has won multiple awards through the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Science, including:
What parents say about the JITP newsletter:
"This was the best resource!! It was just the right 'dosage' and delivered at the right time! I loved the regular emails during the first year!!"
"I value the timing of the newsletters and the content included. It is timely and relevant. It provides information and tips without being overwhelming or making me feel judged. The information comes from professionals and research."
The JITP project has won multiple awards through the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Science, including:
- Communications Newsletters Award, 1st place, Western Region
- Just in Time Parenting Newsletter
- Program Excellence Through Research Award, 2nd place, Western Region
- Understanding Internet Information Usage Among Parenting Newsletter Website Users
Pictured: Casey Littleton, Department of Human Development and Family Studies with 1st place poster, Auburn University-wide student research, "Usefulness of a research-based parenting newsletter: A comparison of child-rearing information sources"