Question
What empowered you to start this program?
Answer
Thank you for asking. I enjoy answering this question. I was previously in direct partnership with Dr. Stephen Bavolek/ Nurturing Parenting Program/ Family Development Resources for almost 29 years. I am a Social Worker and always wanted to do more to support families in their role as parents. After being trained and licensed in many Family Therapy and Family Education programs I came across Dr. Stephen Bavolek’s (Dr. B.) research. I first became a Facilitator in 1992. Dr. B and his work inspired me through the years to create my own curriculum. Through a joint venture we became Co-authors of the Nurturing Families 5-19 program first sold in only 5 states. I have now created 2 derivatives of that work, “Nurturing Online Program” and “Nurturing Families Infant – 19™“.
Question
What is the most popular/common training?
Answer
By far, the Facilitator Training, TOT training and Racism as Trauma are the most trainings.
Question
Is every agency that goes through training considered an affiliate?
Answer
Agencies who choose to fill out the form and be affiliated with FNC-TX, stay current with updates and keep their facilitators current in their certification remain affiliates.
Question
In the current training that I am in, only my colleague and I are in the teaching profession. Is it common for educators to take this training? Even non-traditional educators like Parents as Teachers since they do a lot of the home life education?
Answer
It is very common for any individuals working directly with families to take this training to become Certified Facilitators.
Question
Does this program work just as well with one person versus a group?
Answer
Absolutely! The Nurturing Families Infant-19™ has been developed to work with tertiary families in group, home-based, clinic-based and/or through an online platform.
Question
In the COVID-19 era, what has changed in your curriculum?
Answer
We are continuously working on assisting FNC-TX Certified Facilitators in the art of providing services virtually. We have also developed a Nurturing Online Program with 10 lessons.
Question
After taking the Facilitator Training, what is the next training that you would recommend for me to take?
Answer
First, attend the annual conference. After 2 years in great standing as a Certified Facilitator, attend the TOT to start the Certified Trainer process.
Question
When you update your trainings, do you notify the trainee that there’s an updated course available?
Answer
Yes, quarterly we will send out information to our Certified Facilitators and Trainers.
Question
How long are you required to be a facilitator before becoming a trainer?
Answer
It takes at least 2 years.
Question
Is your trauma informed training being offered online?
Answer
We do not currently have one posted because we are busy finishing the updated Nurturing Families Infant-19™ curriculum. We are open to providing this training within an agency contract.
Question
Once you’re Certified Facilitator of the curriculum, what else is required to keep the certification current?
Answer
You will need to attend a yearly virtual conference. The conference will be every 2nd week of November, on Thursday and Friday.
Question
What would I have to do if I want to continue facilitating if I ever leave my organization?
Answer
Contact FNC-TX so we can update your status. [email protected]
Question
In regards to the list of FNC-TX Organizational Trainers of the designated agency, do they only train within their agency or can they train outside their organization?
Answer
No, they are only allowed to train within their designated organization.
Question
What kind of support can I expect from y’all after completing the training?
Answer
Quarterly, we will update you on trainings. You can always contact us with questions or comments. We also provide facilitator coaching sessions, fidelity audits and consultation.
Question
Is the only training that you will be offering until December the Facilitator Training?
Answer
Yes, that is currently posted. Please frequent our website. We are constantly adding new trainings. Please share any needs you have with us.
Question
What has been the haredest part of training virtually?
Answer
The hardest part is not being able to nurture attendees in the same way as usual. Although, I must say the training and implementation of the Nurturing Online Program is still extremely effective through a virtual platform. We are now being asked to be creative in a different way.
Question
When you become a trainer, do you only train on specific competencies?
Answer
You are first a Certified Facilitator for 2 years before you can train at your designated agency. During these 2 years as a facilitator you must be implementing the curriculum to fidelity directly to families.
Question
Is there a way to get a hard copy of the book we purchased or are we allowed to print it?
Answer
With the purchase of the Facilitator Manual w/ Resources, with permission, you may download and print it once.
Question
Does the Facilitator Certification ever expire?
Answer
It does not expire if you attend the annual 2 day conference in November. It is at this online conference every year that we reinstate certifications to facilitators and trainers.
Question
Do you ever offer any public events for parents?
Answer
Yes, FNC-TX offers direct services to families when an agency contracts for us to do so. Please call or email FNC-TX and allow us an opportunity to serve community families directly.
Question
Will your organization be creating curriculum derived from Nurturing Skills with updated research in order to help families who may be low risk?
Answer
The curriculum that FNC-TX Chief Executive Officer, Sonya M. Thorn MSOL LCSW, has authored is Nurturing Families Infant-19™ for treatment families. However, it is also very effective with low risk families as a curriculum from which you can pick and pull the lessons as needed.