Exploring Needed Resources and Supports for Parent Educators: Insights From Minnesota’s Early Childhood Family Education Program

Nurturing positive child outcomes is central to family and community well-being, with effective parenting practices playing a key role in outcome development. Programs throughout the United States support positive child outcomes through parent education and prevention. In this study, focus groups were used to conduct a needs assessment with 35 parent educators in a Midwestern state. Thematic analysis yielded three key themes: the complexity of lesson planning, multifaceted roles and responsibilities of parent educators, and the importance of professional mentorship and community. While parent educators reported significant challenges, they also suggested solutions, including clearer role definitions, pay aligned with education and expertise, increased time and resources for lesson planning, and access to professional mentoring. Implications for research and practice are discussed.