HI All,
I am going to step in on this one and be the devils advocate - so to speak.
DOn't remember who suggested that the teen moms have the babies in the
classrooms with them to help them really learn more about parenting etc.  I
am going to say that this may NOT be a good idea.  These young women are
trying to finish their education.  If they are finishing it at a public
school, then they need to be able to focus and pay attention so they get the
cucial information that will allow them to pass the tests and graduate.  If
you have an infant/older baby with you that you are trying to care of,
taking notes, and trying to focus on what the teacher is saying or the film
you are supposed to be watching is near impossible.  It is difficult for
many of us "experienced" parents to do this when we take our kids with us to
conferences, seminars, etc.  We catch many bits and pieces, but unless the
baby is asleep or with a caregiver, it is difficult to focus 100% on what we
are trying to learn.
Now take a young mother who knows her education is critical to her future,
throw in a baby that needs attention and let's see how much information she
can really get out of those classes.
It is a wonderful idea to keep the babies with their young mothers.  But, I
don't think that the solution to their problem is to put the baby with them
in the classroom (unless the class is on parenting, or child development
where they are activiely learning with the baby things they can use to be
better parents).  Why not lengthen the time between classes, so they can see
their babies, or have the classes be held right next door to the nursery so
that the mom has only a one minute trip to baby rather than a 5 min (across
the school campus) trip.

I know that for myself, I find it very difficult to concentrate and learn
what I need to at a seminar or class unless the baby is asleep.  If I am
going to an all day thing, I bring a caregiver to help me out a bit.  SOme
folks can put thier full focus on a seminar even with a squirmy little one
)how do you do that?) and that is great.  But I think it is expecting more
from a young mother who may already be terribly stressed about her situation
than she may be able to handle.  (been there...)

Jay
wanting moms and babies together, but looking at realities of life and what
the mom needs to succeed in life and take care of herself and baby.
Jay Simpson, CLE
Sacramento, California, West Coast, USA
"No Miracles performed here, just a lot of love and hard work."