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 fall 2019. This video provides an overview of the Parenting Education Programs, and the schedule below gives details about each class offered.
Learn more about upcoming parenting classes for:
- African-American Cultural Focus
- 0-4 Age Range
- 5-11 Age Range
- 12-18 Age Range
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)
There are no sessions scheduled at this time.
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
ACCA Child Development Court
7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Raiza Barraza 703-324-7745
10/10/19-2/6/20 Thursdays 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Providence Community Center
3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
Lisa Payne-Chesley 703-324-7734
Natalie Bailey 703-324-3617
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
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
Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church
2001 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309
Marcus Garr 703-324-7737
Janet Little 703-324-7501
9/16/19-12/16/19 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
Messiah United Methodist Church
6215 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152
Mario Prada 703-324-7405
Alba Quinones 703-324-7310
9/24/19-12/17/19 Tuesdays 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Spanish)
Willston Community Center
6131 Willston Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044
Mario Prada 703-324-7405
Grace Presbyterian Church
7434 Bath St., Springfield, VA 22150
Janet Little 703-324-7501
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
Heritage Fellowship Church
2501 Fox Mill Road, Reston, VA 20191
Natalie Bailey 703-324-3617
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
