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Department of Family Services - Children and Families

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

703-324-7500
TTY 711

DFSinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov

12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035

Oriane Eriksen,
Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Parenting Education Programs

The Department of Family Services offers FREE parenting education classes.

The classes teach positive and effective ways parents can interact with their children at every age and stage of development. They help families to:

  • Understand what to expect from children at different developmental stages and ages (0-18 years).
  • Build strong, positive, respectful relationships between all family members.
  • Take charge of their own feelings and behaviors, and communicate in non-threatening ways.
  • Handle stress and anger better, and find alternatives for yelling and spanking.

Families enrolled in the programs can relax knowing that each class includes child care and an evening meal for all participants.

Our classes meet the parent education guidelines developed by the Supreme Court of Virginia. If class requirements are completed, a certificate of completion is awarded during the last class.

Video - Free Parenting Education Classes

We are now enrolling for classes that begin in winter 2020. This video provides an overview of the Parenting Education Programs, and the schedule below gives details about each class offered.

Parenting Classes

Learn more about upcoming parenting classes for:

  • African-American Cultural Focus
  • 0-4 Age Range
  • 5-11 Age Range
  • 12-18 Age Range

African-American Parenting Classes Offered in English

The core curriculum is the same as the basic Parenting Education Programs but it also emphasizes how African-American history has affected the parenting style for African-Americans. This curriculum delves into African-American history, culture, and traditions.

These African-American culturally-focused classes are offered in English.

12-13 sessions (depending on the curriculum used)

Classes

There are no sessions scheduled at this time.

0-4 Age Range Parenting Classes Offered in English and Spanish

Parents learn to recognize and understand feelings; nurturing parenting routines; infant massage; child development; and ways to foster positive self esteem in themselves and their children. Uses the Active Parenting Curriculum.

These classes are offered in English and Spanish.

14 sessions

Classes
2/3/20-5/11/20 Mondays 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Spanish)
Main Street Development Center
4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Raiza Barraza 703-324-7745

2/5/20-5/13/20 Wednesdays 5:30-8:00 p.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
8009 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA, 22308
Marcus Garr 703-324-7737

2/13/20-6/18/20 Thursdays 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Spanish)
Christ Presbyterian Church
12410 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033
Raiza Barraza 703-324-7745

4/1/20-7/15/20 Wednesdays 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Spanish)
ACCA Child Development Center
4175 Daniels Ave., Annandale, VA 22003
Janet Little 703-324-7501

5-11 Age Range Parenting Classes Offered in English and Spanish

Parents and children learn to increase their empathy, discover new ways to encourage appropriate behaviors, build positive self-concept and self-esteem, and learn how to have fun as a family. Uses the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum. View the schedule of classes.

These classes are offered in English and Spanish.

13 sessions

Classes
11/7/19-2/20/20 Thursdays 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Grace Presbyterian Church
7434 Bath St., Springfield, VA 22150
Janet Little 703-324-7501

1/27/19-5/4/20 Mondays 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Fairfax Church of Christ
3901 Rugby Road, Fairfax, VA 22033
Debi Hackney 703-324-7790
Lisa Payne-Chesley 703-324-7734

2/12/19-5/27/20 Wednesdays 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Spanish)
Messiah United Methodist Church
6215 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152
Mario Prada 703-324-7405

3/3/20-6/23/20 Tuesdays 5:30-8:00 p.m.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
14640 Soucy Place, Centreville, VA 20120
Debi Hackney 703-324-7790

3/19/20-6/18/20 Thursdays 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Grace Presbyterian Church
7434 Bath St., Springfield, VA 22150
Janet Little 703-324-7501

6/2/19-8/26/20 Tuesdays 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Spanish)
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
5800 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150
Alba Quinones 703-324-7310

 

12-18 Age Range Parenting Classes Offered in English

Family members learn nurturing communication strategies, how to recognize each other’s needs, how to understand the developmental stages of adolescence, and ways to build their own personal power, self-concept and self-esteem. Uses the Active Parenting Curriculum for Spanish classes. Uses the Nurturing Parent Curriculum for English classes. View the schedule of classes.

These classes are offered in English.

12 sessions

Classes
1/27/20-5/4/20 Mondays 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church
2001 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309
Marcus Garr 703-324-7737
Natalie Bailey 703-324-3617

2/11/20-5/5/20 Tuesdays 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Spanish)
Willston Multicultural Center
6131 Willston Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044
Alba Quinones 703-324-7310

Managing Children's Holiday Gift Expectations

Many parents want their children to experience the wonder of the holiday season, and then worry that they are not doing enough. Helping children to set realistic expectations during the holidays can go a long way toward reducing the stress of the season for the entire family. Check out a few tips from DFS Parenting Education Programs’ staff for how to help children know what to expect during the holidays.

Learn More

Reclaiming the Joy of the Holidays

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving, the official start of the holiday season, is just a few weeks away. This season can provide opportunities for families to spend time together and to be grateful for their loved ones. However, the long to-do lists, packed schedules, and high costs are natural triggers for elevated stress levels in families. Try some new strategies from the experts with the Parenting Education Programs to reduce stress and find joy during the holidays.

Learn More

Back to School Routines

With the start of school, comes the start of sports, clubs, lessons and other great activities that stretch the demands on family time. The hustle and bustle of getting kids back into a healthy routine can be a challenge. The Parenting Education Programs' staff provides helpful tips in their Back to School Routines series.

Learn More

Podcast - County Conversation - Dads and Parenting

DFS staff, Marcus Garr of the Parenting Education Programs and Bennie Herron of the Father Engagement Program made a joint appearance on the June 5, County Conversation podcast with host Jim Person to talk about dads! Listen to their conversation to learn how each program’s classes and other services help dads to embrace their role in the family and parent with confidence! Tune in to the interview through the SoundCloud podcast.

county conversation podcast dads and parenting group
county conversation podcast dads and parenting graphic
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Spanish-Language Radio Program - WUST “La Voz del Condado de Fairfax”

On Apr. 2, staff from the Parenting Education Programs were guests on WUST’s Spanish-language program 1120 AM “La Voz del Condado de Fairfax” discussing Child Abuse Prevention Month and services offered by Fairfax County to support families and prevent child abuse and neglect. Tune in to the interview through the YouTube video or SoundCloud podcast.

2019 Child Abuse Prevention Month WUST 1120 AM “La Voz del Condado de Fairfax” people talking
2019 Child Abuse Prevention Month WUST 1120 AM “La Voz del Condado de Fairfax” people talking
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Podcast - County Conversation - Free Parenting Classes

On Wednesday, Feb. 27, County Conversation host Jim Person talked with Natalie Bailey, a Social Service Specialist with the Department of Family Services. Listen to their conversation to learn about free parenting classes offered by the county!

Listen Now

Interested and ready to participate in a class? Contact Parenting Education by email, phone at 703-324-7691 or contact the name listed in the class information.

Testimonials

“The program surpassed expectations, and I applied several methods and techniques that directly and positively impacted my relationships with my children and our overall home environment.”

“Great class and awesome facilitators. (The class) has helped my son and his behaviors have noticeably improved as a result of implementing the things we learned here into our lives.”

“This class was great! Everything that I learned and put into practice has worked. I have a better system with rules and consequences at home. All the techniques (negation, privileges, compliments) have helped me to have a better understanding and relationship with my kids. The classes have also helped my kids open up to me and understand our new routine of parenting with love.”

“I’m a new mom and I feel I’m doing a great job because of them (PEP).”

Volunteer with the Parenting Education Programs

Volunteer with the Parenting Education Programs. Opportunities include:

  • Facilitating parenting sessions.
  • Providing a location for classes.
  • Preparing or serving a meal for participants.
  • Helping to promote the classes in the community.
Learn More

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