community settings through quantitative and qualitative research.

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PDCR’s Organizational Theory of Change and Approach

Our Theory of Change guides our evaluative efforts and encompasses our vision.  We’re working toward each person in our community embodying the values of respect and dignity while passing those values on to the next generation.  Our approach is to use the PD model in all our programs and services with parents, educators, and community leaders.

 

Our Process and Findings

Immediate Feedback

For more than 10 years, we’ve conducted pre- and post-class surveys.  Survey questions included both Likert scaling and open-ended, narrative-like questions.  These surveys reveal where parents feel they’ve benefited most from the skills they learned.  This helps PDCR to determine what we are doing well and in which areas we need to improve.  Ninety-eight percent of our participants have rated PDCR’s programs and facilitators as good or excellent.  This includes our parent education classes, our professional trainings, and our work in other sectors. 

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The top 4 findings from our parent surveys are:

1. There is great value in understanding the beliefs behind behaviors

2. Parents’ responses influence children’s responses

3. Calming down is necessary before engaging in successful problem solving

4. Mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn

 

Longitudinal Study

PDCR conducted an online survey to assess long term impact.  We identified if and how parents and practitioners were still using and benefiting from Positive Discipline.  We discovered that 100% of respondents said that Positive Discipline significantly improved or transformed their skills with children, and that they were still practicing many PD tools they learned.

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The top parenting tools included:

• following through

• validating feelings

• offering limited choices
  
   

Field Research

Creating a Community Movement

PDCR is focused on long-term social change across families and communities.  The social change work we do is complex and doesn’t take place overnight, but we know it’s both achievable and necessary.  Harvard's Center on the Developing Child and Frontiers of Innovation are two leaders in our field creating policy and best practices that help children and families.  Their work supports our vision for change and has shown that improved adult knowledge and abilities lead to better child outcomes, and we all know that better child outcomes lead to safer and more connected communities. 

 

Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of creating a family and social environment where children experience safety, connection, and success!

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More Resources

Would you like to learn more about the results and benefits Positive Discipline?  Take a look at these sites below for information and resources:

• positivediscipline.com (Positive Discipline materials, books, CDs, DVDs, tool cards)

• sounddiscipline.org (Research and programs in Seattle with an emphasis on schools)

• zerotothree.org (National nonprofit promoting infant & toddler development)

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