Graduation, Reality And Dual-Role Skills (GRADS)

Graduation, Reality And Dual-role Skills (GRADS) is a program for pregnant teens and/or young parents that focus on work and family foundation skills of significance to these students. GRADS programs include student demonstration of skills leading to high school graduation and economic independence.

The GRADS program curriculum is developed at the local level using standards from the Work and Family Foundation areas of study in the National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FACSE). The program requires a FACSE certified teacher, who has also completed GRADS training. The program includes on-site childcare and practicums, as well as coordination of learning activities outside the classroom.

Currently, 23 school districts in Washington State offer GRADS programs. 

Supports for Pregnant and Parenting Teens

Are students protected from discrimination based on pregnancy or parental status?
Nondiscrimination Law & Guidelines

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights

Teen Pregnancy and Childbearing

Parenting at any age can be challenging, but it can be particularly difficult for adolescent parents. In 2011, almost 330,000 babies were born to teen girls between the ages of 15 and 19. Childbearing during adolescence negatively affects the parents, their children, and society. Resources and tips can help inform strategies and communication with adolescents. 

Office of Adolescent Health Federal Grant

Washington State was awarded The Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF). Also known as, Expectant & Parenting Teens, Women, Fathers, and their Families (EPTWFF) grant. This Federal grant is from the Office of Adolescent Health (OAH). Through the efforts of the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), and WithinReach, Washington’s grant proposal was one of 17 awarded out of 52 submissions. This grant award totals 6 million dollars over four years.

OSPI’s goals for the PAF grant are to create a statewide stakeholder’s group. Priorities will focus on creating access to quality, sustainable, and culturally appropriate early learning services. There will be a support system to help pregnant and parenting teens complete high school. OSPI will be partnering with Department of Early Learning (DEL) to implement Early Achievers. Early Achievers will improve the quality and sustainability of GRADS childcare centers. Over the next four years OSPI will:

  • Form a statewide stakeholders group.
  • Fund 16-17 GRADS programs to improve the quality of childcare.
  • Participate in a needs assessment with DOH.
  • Build and promote sustainability amongst future and current GRADS programs.
  • Offer professional development to GRADS teachers and childcare staff.