Outreach, Research and Extension
Faculty appointments through K-State Research and Extension are devoted to the development and execution of educational programs and technical information that enhance quality of life. The School of Family Studies and Human Services is committed to improving the lives of children, families, and citizens in the state of Kansas through the creation and implementation of quality educational programs. These noncredit programs are available at low cost (or are free) through Kansas Research and Extension Offices in every county in Kansas. FSHS faculty who provide resources and consultation to county Extension Offices include Michael Bradshaw, Marlene Glasscock, Elaine Johannes, Esther Maddux, Charlotte Shoup Olsen, Chuck Smith, Debra Sellers, and Carol Young.
Extension specialists often create educational programs of potential interest to students. Students who are interested in learning more about how community-based educational programs are developed are welcome to visit with specialist faculty. Graduate students may occasionally find publishing opportunities that complement ongoing program resources. Some extension faculty are also members of the Graduate Faculty in the School.
The following programs are current priorities for several extension specialists and are described here to introduce students to the types of issues of concern to Kansas families and citizens.
Basic Parenting
A comprehensive program on the fundamentals of parenting that can be used with low-reading level participants. The Foundations program is based on 80 principles and skills divided into six theme areas: Care for Self, Understand, Guide, Motivate, Nurture, and Advocate. Visit the Basic Parenting web site at The WonderWise Parent. Program Developer: Chuck Smith
Art Awareness
A PLUS program for use with Basic Parenting that explores how we can better understand young children by better understanding the art they create. PLUS (Parents Learning Useful Skills) programs are extensions of the basic or core foundations program in Basic Parenting. Visit the Art Awareness web site at The WonderWise Parent. Program Developer: Chuck Smith
Conscience in Children
A PLUS program for use with Basic Parenting to be released late fall 2000. The program examines how young children acquire a conscience and how parents and other loved ones can contribute to its development in their children. Visit CaringWorks at The WonderWise Parent. Program Developer: Chuck Smith
CoupleTalk: Enhancing Your Relationship
A program to help couples in committed relationships build skills to make their relationships stronger and more satisfying. CoupleTalk, based on fundamental communiciation skills, is a personal informal study course divided into six lessons. The program is also available on audiocassette and as a noncredit Internet-based distance education course. To review the materials or enroll in the distance education course, visit the CoupleTalk web site. Program Developer: Charlotte Shoup Olsen
Stepping Stones for Stepfamilies
A program to assist persons and communities in creating successful stepfamily living. It is designed specifically for parents with children under the age of 18. Resources include a home study course, videotape, audiocassette, fact sheets, and teaching materials. To review the materials, visit the Stepping Stones website. Program Developer: Charlotte Shoup Olsen
Financial Management
An extensive Extension financial management web site contains information and links to university, public and private financial educational resources. The website is managed by Carol Young.
Kansas Saves
A social marketing campaign to encourage Kansans to build wealth and not debt. Visit the Kansas Saves web site for a link to the America Saves National Campaign site, a list of Kansas Saves participants and numerous campaign resources. Carol Young serves as the Kansas Saves Campaign Coordinator.
Starting Your Investment Program with $1 to $1000
A financial education workplace program devloped by Esther Maddux. The brochure (Adobe Acrobat) gives an overview of the benefits of the program to Employers. The curriculum is a ten-unit educational series. Each unit includes a lesson plan, handout, power point presentation, teaching tools, and evaluation tool.