LAMP provides assistance to school-age student parents
The School District of Lee County is looking to increase access and understanding of the Lee Adolescent Mother’s Program to better provide assistance to those who can benefit.
Early Childhood Learning Services Director Mary Grace Romo said the Lee Adolescent Mother’s Program — LAMP — is one that is state funded to support youth and teen parents through comprehensive services.
“We currently have a student with a baby in the NICU. Young people experience trauma, young parents who are homeless, postpartum depression and care for babies while staying in school,” she said. “This incredible program becomes very invested in each and every one of our students. The ultimate goal is for our young parents to graduate high school, become great parents and fulfill their dreams.”
Services include academic alternatives to support students with the completion of high school, child care services and transportation and parenting classes, counseling and social services.
Romo said they are able to support and cover the cost of childcare and transportation for the young parent. She said they support the young person in selecting a childcare facility with which they feel comfortable.
“The student is supported completely,” Romo said.
There are currently 63 enrolled students in the LAMP program, which includes five students being served at traditional high schools. Teens have the option of remaining in their traditional high school or attending the Michigan Avenue campus, while still receiving all of the services offered through LAMP.
When the students arrive, Romo said they have that conversation and ask questions that need to be asked to help provide guidance.
“They need to make a decision if they prefer to be on the LAMP campus, or traditional high school. This year we really focused on expanding at least the choice. Students were automatically being sent to LAMP and not understanding they had a choice of remaining at their high school and having services, or coming to a more intimate setting,” Romo said.
Many of the young parents come from a group home and many do not have support other than what they can find at school.
“The relationship and the bonding between the young parent and child is of critical importance. The handful of students that have chosen to stay at traditional schools do have a support system in place. For many, most, the support system is LAMP. It is the school, the teachers, nurses and social workers,” Romo said.
Romo said they are working with high schools to increase access and understanding of the LAMP program, so they can reach more teens, as there are more young parents in Lee County than the 63 that are enrolled.
The name, Lee Adolescent Mother’s Program, is currently undergoing a name change, so it represents all young parents. The district provided a short survey asking the community to weigh in on what it should be named, which had a deadline of Wednesday.
“On Friday, the Ad Hoc Committee will meet to look at suggestions and identify names to present at a future board briefing. A goal is to have a name that represents all of our wonderful parents,” Romo said Tuesday afternoon.
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