On February 27, USF St. Petersburg’s Family Study Center (FSC) celebrated its 15th anniversary with a breakfast honoring community partners. At the heart of the event that brought together more than 100 community leaders and collaborators was a ceremony recognizing the achievements of four recipients whose contributions in support of babies and families in St. Petersburg have had enduring influence and impact.
The FSC has been at the forefront of pioneering coparenting research and community programs for early childhood and family mental health since first opening in December 2003. Coparenting is an emerging child development model that expands the perception of family units beyond biological mothers, fathers and children to include all caregivers who develop close bonds and are responsible for the care and upbringing of young children. For example, grandparents who are with infants daily or daycare providers who care for a young child 30-40 hours each week function as coparents.
Over the past 15 years, the FSC has developed strong community partnerships that have enabled the Center to serve local families, while undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students have co-authored scientific reports and presented at regional, national and international conferences.
“Authentic university-community partnerships that address significant human and societal concerns are special and rare,” said FSC Director Dr. James McHale. “They are never possible without the trust, goodwill and direction of the community itself. This event celebrated all those who have informed and guided our work throughout the years and helped advance a common mission of strengthening and supporting families of infants and toddlers.”
The four honorees recognized at the ceremony included Judge Kimberly Todd, Randy Lewis, Clarence Givens and the Infinite Potential Learning Center.
Judge Kimberly Todd was recognized for her pioneering work in establishing Pinellas County’s Early Childhood Court. Judge Todd led the creation of a new specialized court for infants, toddlers and families impacted by the child welfare system. In a few short years, the court has made a significant impact on reunification and permanency for area babies and families served by the court.
The late Randy Lewis was honored as a champion for men and fathers in the St. Petersburg community. Lewis assisted “Figuring it Out for the Child,” a co-parenting program for unmarried parents, by providing insight into the importance of trust-building in work with men.
The late Clarence Givens was honored for his devotion to helping close the achievement gap between black and white students. He was a founding member of the Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students and lent his wisdom and organizational skills to “Baby Talk,” a grassroots initiative that provides training for families, childcare providers and professionals serving higher-risk children.
Finally, the Infinite Potential Learning Center, a community childcare center, was recognized for pioneering community efforts in quality “educaring” for babies. Over a period of several years, the Infinite Potential Learning Center has devoted intensive effort to creating meaningful transformations in the ways the FSC works with infants and toddlers.
Community partnerships have always been essential to the success of the FSC, enabling it to make a real impact for babies and families in St. Petersburg, while positioning the Center on the national stage.
“The Family Study Center is unique on the national scene as it only undertakes initiatives where coparenting is the primary focus,” said McHale. “Hundreds of Centers serve mothers and infants or study parents and families. But no others hold this conceptual model at the core of all their work. Coparenting views the family through the eyes of the baby or young child. And for that reason, it is central to the future of the field.”