Strengthening Families ProgramSFP Birth–3 · 3–5 · 6–11 · 12–16
Programs

Four programs, one proven model

Each SFP curriculum is matched to the child’s developmental age, not chronological age. All follow the same 14-session model: a family meal, separate parent and child groups, then family practice.

  • 14 weekly sessionsIn-person family skills training
  • Developmental ageVariants matched to the child’s developmental age, not chronological age
  • English and SpanishCurricula available in English and Spanish
  • PreventionRecognized for prevention of child maltreatment and parental and youth substance abuse
A mother and her toddler daughter coloring togetherBirth–3

SFP Birth–3

For families with infants and toddlers.

Each session opens with a family meal and song time. Parents then meet for an hour in the Parent Skills Training Group while children attend childcare, and families come together for a 30-minute Parent/Child Play Group. There, with support from trained Group Leaders, parents practice bonding through play (the Child’s Game), communication and empathy, and giving directions and positive discipline (the Parent’s Game). Parent lessons include attachment and bonding, what young children can do, communicating with infants and toddlers, empathy, setting limits, and discipline without physical punishment.

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A father and his young daughter smiling together3–5

SFP 3–5

For families with preschool children.

Parents learn to build positive time with their children, use rewards and attention, give clear directions and set limits. Children learn listening and speaking skills, recognizing feelings, following directions and problem solving through games, songs and puppets.

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A mother playing a stacking game with her two children6–11

SFP 6–11

For families with elementary-age children.

Children learn communication, recognizing feelings, problem solving, coping with anger and criticism, and how to say no to stay out of trouble. Parents learn stress management, family meetings, behavior programs and consistent, positive discipline.

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A diverse group of teens stacking hands in a circle12–16

SFP 12–16

For families with teens.

Teens build peer resistance, problem-solving and communication skills and learn the consequences of substance use and other risky behavior, while parents strengthen supervision, encouragement and family communication.

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Coming from SFP 10–14? Iowa State University ended that program on June 30, 2026. SFP 6–11 and SFP 12–16 serve families with children in the same age range. Ask us about switching.

Ready to bring SFP to your community?

Tell us about your agency and the families you serve. We’ll reply within one or two business days with training options and a quote.

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