Parent to Parent of Vermont has been a support and information network for families who have a child with special health needs. Since 1984, Parent to Parent of Vermont has been responding to the needs of over 1800 families. Inherent in our program is the belief that through support, information, and opportunities for collaboration, families challenged by the special needs of their children, will have their needs met and live the lives they dream about in their community. Parent to Parent works in partnership with many organizations in order to provide a variety of opportunities for families and health care professionals to learn from each other and to develop policies and practices that reflect a family-centered philosophy.
Parents are integral partners in the teaching process.
Collaboration yields better services on behalf of children as well as new insights into the parent-professional partnership. Medical Student Training Project - The Medical Education Project Families have been part of physician education at the University of Vermont College of Medicine since 1985. Born out of the need to ensure that all individuals receive care that is respectful, compassionate, and empowering, families together with physicians designed the Medical Education Project. Two pediatricians serving on the Parent to Parent of Vermont Advisory Board and faculty in the Department of Pediatrics offered to incorporate this four-part course within their seminar. Each session, co-taught by Parent to Parent staff, is required for all third year medical students during their pediatric clerkship.