This agency has been providing a variety of parenting classes for the past 12 years. The curriculum used is an evidenced based program that has been designed for familes to encourage the use of nurturing practices rather than abusive forms of parenting.

All of the Parenting Groups are psycho-educational in nature and typically meet one time per week. Length of groups varies depending on group content. Content is designed to provide members with relevant educational information that will assist them in providing for the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of their children. Additionally, the sessions provide information related to childhood development, behavior management techniques, morals and values, communication skills, safety concerns, and building our children’s self esteem and concept. Parents are given some homework assignments and are encouraged to participate in group activities and discussions. Group instructors evaluate parents based on their understanding of material presented in group, participation, and attendance. Pre and Post tests (AAPI) are given at the beginning and end of the program and this can give evidence of progress related to the risks regarding certain parenting practices that are known to be associated with abuse and neglect of children.

Traditional Parenting

This course will consist of 14 weekly sessions, with each session lasting approximately 1.5 hours. During the instruction of parents/caregivers, there are multiple interventions utilized. As with all of the program’s parenting courses, sessions do not just consist of lectures, the use of therapeutic/support is offered as well. A cognitive-behavioral approach is used to reframe belief systems concerning parenting. Also used are experiential scenarios to explore/practice decision-making, and clarify values/beliefs about parenting is also an important component of this course. Topics include: Parental expectations with respect to development, discipline and rewards, communication with your child, behavior management, building self-esteem, morals and values, and safety concerns. Group instructors evaluate parents based on their understanding of material presented in group, group participation, completion of homework assignments, group attendance, the Nurturing Parenting pre and post test scores.

Moving On

(Parenting and Domestic Violence)

This course encounter will consist of 12 weekly sessions, with each session lasting approximately 1.5 hours. This course is intended for parents who have been involved in a relationship that involved domestic violence. Individuals that remain in active abusive settings are not appropriate for this encounter. This parenting course is to assist parents in regaining boundaries, regaining self-worth, regaining authority within the home, mending the relationship between parent and child, examining parental accountability, and developing ways to prevent the pattern of family violence from reoccurring. Aspects of the parent’s childhood will be explored to examine if certain areas of upbringing play a role in their current parenting styles and family situations.