Black Child Development Institute (Chicago-Metro) & Family Engagement

NBCDI’s Family Empowerment Program is a family engagement program.

Developed by the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), the Family Empowerment Program (FEP) builds the capacity of parents and caregivers as leaders and advocates for their families. 

Throughout this twelve-week program, families are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to foster their children's learning and development while effectively advocating for them from birth. The program was designed to guide and coach parents and caregivers through a strengths-based lens that honors rich cultural and linguistic strengths of families of color.

Highlights of this engaging personal development: 

• Culturally Relevant and Responsive: Infuses the social-cultural context of families’ lived experiences.

• Trauma Informed: Takes a holistic approach to building the capacity of families by educating families on brain development, toxic stress, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and the importance of building resiliency and developing protective factors in children and their families.

• Evidence-Based: Aligned with current research and best practices and evaluated by Child Trends, the nation’s leading nonprofit research organization.

• Developmentally Appropriate: Fosters children’s learning and development while honoring their individual strengths, needs, and culture.

• Action-Oriented: Promotes active family engagement by connecting families with local resources that strengthen their capacity to succeed.