Community-based Parenting Classes

Options Counseling and Family Services provides various community-based parenting classes to help support parents as they navigate parenthood, manage difficult child behaviors, connect with other parents in the community, and more! Read about the different programs we offer below.

Building Blocks for Effective Co-Parenting

Incentive gift cards are provided to participants. Participants are self-referred.

This program provides an engaging, informative framework that highlights the importance of effective co-parenting. Effective co-parenting can aid and assist in the overall growth and healthy development of children. Families become separated for a variety of reasons and this curriculum provides an opportunity to offer strength-based, solution-focused strategies and techniques to create consistency and support for all involved parties. This curriculum provides lectures, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, group activities, and self-reflection and assessment tools.

Visit https://community.cwla.org/store/viewproduct.aspx?id=21063681 to learn more about the curriculum.

Circle of Security (COS)

When given in person, childcare is provided. Participants are referred by their mental health therapist.

This 8-week relationship-based parenting curriculum is designed to enrich attachment between parents and their children age 0-5 years old. The classes are completed by just the parents and explore not only the parent’s relationship with their child but also their understanding of attachment.

Make Parenting a Pleasure (MPAP)

When given in person, family meal and childcare are provided. Participants are self-referred.

A 10-week developmentally appropriate program for parents and caregivers of children age 0-8 years. MPAP supports caregivers in learning how to manage stress in healthy ways while developing realistic expectations for parenting. Facilitators provide information about child development, temperament, and personality. Participants learn tools for positive discipline and setting up children for success.

Nurturing Parenting

When given in person, family meal and childcare are provided. Participants are referred by their mental health therapist.

This 12-week program is designed for parents and caregivers of children age 5-12 years. The goal is to increase parenting skills and promote healthy family life. Classes provide information and practical experience on several important topics, including effective communication, establishing routines, positive discipline, and self nurturing. Children meet in separate, age appropriate groups and learn the same skills through entertaining, educational activities.

Strengthening Families

When given in person, family meal and childcare are provided. Participants are self-referred.

This 7-week prevention program targets adolescents age 10-14 years of age and their parents or caregivers. The skills-building curriculum is delivered through independent, concurrent learning sessions for parents and youth followed by joint family sessions. The program uses realistic videos, roleplaying, discussions, learning games, and family projects to enhance parenting skills and build life skills in youth.