703-324-7500
TTY 711
Oriane Eriksen,
Director
The Parenting Education Programs is offering assistance from a distance with online parenting classes. If you are interested in registering for a virtual class, please check out the schedule below and email us with the age range you are interested in, 0-4 years, 5-11 years or 12-18 years, and a staff person will invite you to the next available online class. You can also contact us by phone by calling 703-324-7720.
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.
Families enrolled in the in-person programs can relax knowing that each class includes child care and an evening meal for all participants. All family members have age appropriate instruction to help with building strong, positive, respectful relationships within the family.
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.
“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).”
ARC Reflections provides caregivers with tools to help children and teens learn to regulate themselves, feel connected, and build strengths.
These classes are offered in English and Spanish.
9-10 sessions
6/16/21-8/11/21 Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. (Spanish)
This class will be held virtually.
Raiza Barraza 703-324-7745
6/16/21-8/18/21 Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. (Kinship Families)
This class will be held virtually.
Mary Elizabeth 703-324-7870
Interested and ready to participate in an ARC Reflections class? Contact Parenting Education by email, phone at 703-324-7720 or contact the name listed in the class information.
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)
5/19/21-8/25/21 Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. (Parenting Children 5-11 Years of Age)
This class will be held virtually.
Natalie Bailey 703-324-3617; Lisa Payne-Chesley 703-324-7734
Interested and ready to participate in an African American Parenting Class? Contact Parenting Education by email, phone at 703-324-7720 or contact the name listed in the class information.
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
4/1/21-7/1/21 Thursdays 6-8 p.m.
This class will be held virtually.
Lisa Payne-Chesley 703-324-7734
6/14/21-9/27/21 Mondays 6-8 p.m. (Spanish)
This class will be held virtually.
Raiza Barraza 703-324-7745
Interested and ready to participate in a class for parenting children ages 0-4? Contact Parenting Education by email, phone at 703-324-7720 or contact the name listed in the class information.
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
5/24/21-8/27/21 Mondays 6-8 p.m. (Spanish)
This class will be held virtually.
Alba Quinones 703-324-7310
6/1/21-9/7/21 Tuesdays 6-8 p.m.
This class will be held virtually.
Natalie Bailey 703-324-3617; Debi Hackney 703-324-7790
8/2/21-11/22/21 Mondays 6-8 p.m.
This class will be held virtually.
Debi Hackney 703-324-7790
9/7/21-12/15/21 Tuesdays 6-8 p.m. (Spanish)
This class will be held virtually.
Raiza Barraza 703-324-774; Alba Quinones 703-324-7310
9/13/21-12/20/21 Mondays 6-8 p.m.
This class will be held virtually.
Natalie Bailey 703-324-3617
Interested and ready to participate in a class for parenting children ages 5-11? Contact Parenting Education by email, phone at 703-324-7720 or contact the name listed in the class information.
12-18 Age Range Parenting Classes Offered in English and Spanish
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 and Spanish.
12 sessions
3/2/21-5/25/21 Tuesdays 6-8 p.m.
This class will be held virtually.
Natalie Bailey 703-324-3617; Mary Elizabeth 703-324-7870
6/7/21-8/30/21 Mondays 6-8 p.m.
This class will be held virtually.
Marcus Garr 703-324-7737
9/27/21-12/13/21 Mondays 6-8 p.m. (Spanish)
This class will be held virtually.
Alba Quinones 703-324-7310
Interested and ready to participate in a class for parenting children ages 12-18? Contact Parenting Education by email, phone at 703-324-7720 or contact the name listed in the class information.
Find a community of support among other parents handling similar situations during these stressful times.
Virtual Parent Cafés is a great way for parents to learn from each other as they grow in their parenting skills. Topics include discipline, self-care, and family rules.
All Virtual Parent Cafés are open to Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old.
Every 2nd and 4th Monday 7:30-9 p.m.
Jan. 11, 25
Feb. 8, 22
March 8, 22
April 12, 26
May 10, 24
Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27
Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20
Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 11
Feb. 25
March 11
March 25
Sign up for any Virtual Parent Café by sending an email or call us at 703-324-7720 at least one business day before the Parent Café date listed.
We look forward to you joining us!
Learn more about this community of support for parents handling similar situations during these stressful times.
Kinship Cafés have moved to virtual format. Kinship caregivers can talk with others who understand how difficult and joyful it can be raising a child for a family member or friend. Join us to discuss topics such as discipline, self-care, and family rules. You can also find out about community resources that you may not have known existed.
Virtual Kinship Cafés take place monthly on the second Wednesday between 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 13
Feb. 10
Mar. 10
Apr. 14
May 12
June 9
For more information or to participate in a Virtual Kinship Café, send an email or call 703-324-7720.
Are you raising a child for a family member or friend? If you answered “yes,” you are a kinship caregiver, and you are not alone.
Support groups provide encouragement and foster a sense of community among kinship caregivers.
Virtual Kinship Support Groups take place each month on the first and third Thursday between 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 7 and 14
Feb. 4 and 18
Mar. 4 and 18
April 15
May 6 and 20
June 3 and 17
For more information or to participate in a Virtual Kinship Group, send an email or call 703-324-7720.
Raising a Relative’s Child? You Are Not Alone
If you are raising a child for a family member or friend, then you are a kinship caregiver. And you are not alone. Kinship caregivers can benefit from training and support groups to help them with the unique concerns that can arise while caring for a relative’s child. Programs like the new ARC Reflections class offered virtually beginning Wednesday, June 16 between 6-8 p.m. can help. If you are interested, learn more about this or send an email or call us at 703-324-7720.
Giving Parents the Right Tools: African American Parenting Classes and Dads Parenting Groups
“The parenting classes offered through Fairfax County have been a life saver for our family. Looking back at where we were before and how far we have come as a family, is like night and day. These classes helped save our family and our marriage,” said Heather.
Learn more about their story and how to register for classes. The next African American Parenting Classes start Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Tips for Building Resilience
Getting up and trying again after failing is an act of courage, and children demonstrate this from an early age. How can parents encourage this spirit of resiliency and help it to blossom in their children?
The Parenting Education Programs’ staff has some suggestions.
Learn more parenting tips like these and register for one of our virtual classes at BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or call us at 703-324-7720.
Build Up Your Child’s Self-Esteem through Praise
Praising children is one of the ways that parents can build up a child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Having a strong, positive sense of self is important for a child’s development. Check out these suggestions from our Parenting Education Programs’ staff for how to impact your child’s behavior through praise.Get more parenting tips like these by registering for one of our virtual classes at BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or call us at 703-324-7720.
We All Need to Help Protect Children During COVID-19
COVID-19 has turned everyone’s lives upside down. The isolation has caused many families to lose their support networks, which has been especially stressful for families with children. As a result, some children may be at higher risk of harm. Others may not be safe because there isn’t a responsible adult who can watch or take care of them. Learn more about what to consider if you suspect child abuse, how to make a report, and resources to help.
Relevant and Helpful Topics for Fathers
Fathers, like mothers, play a significant role in their children’s psychological and emotional development. Positive father involvement contributes directly to children’s well-being, safety and stability.
Through each Pocket Dad video, our Father Engagement team members talk about relevant and helpful topics. Check out the current and past videos.
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.
