Play Groups
Playgroups are morning play sessions for children birth to five years old. Parents and grandparents play together with their children as caring professionals model childcare skills. Snacks and activities are part of the morning routine.

Child Care Cooperative (Co-op)
The Child Care Cooperative is a program offered to parents and grandparents of children birth – kindergarten. The Co-Op allows parents time away from their young children to renew themselves for the challenging task of parenting. The program gives children a chance for socialization, and provides a respite for parent and grandparents. The children are cared for in the Family Place playroom by Early Childhood staff and/or Co-op parents. Parents/grandparents earn childcare hours by working at the Family Place providing childcare. This is an hour –for –hour exchange. Day and evening times are offered. Continuing education at the center is required, and serves to increase responsibility and leadership roles for parents involved. In addition, Parents’ Night Out is offered one evening a month. Children enjoy movies and fun activities at The Family Place while parents enjoy a night out.

Parent/Grandparent Chat
Parents and grandparents discuss parenting issues and benefit from community support. Topics are chosen from participant recommendations and the group is facilitated by parents. Guest speakers occasionally provide a presentation or lead a discussion. Educational playtime is provided for the children while parents meet.

Coffee ‘n’ Conversation
Grandparents and other extended family/caregivers discuss the unique issues of raising grandchildren and benefit from peer support. Topics are chosen from participant recommendations and the group is facilitated by participants. Guest speakers occasionally provide a presentation or lead a discussion. Educational playtime is provided for the children while parents meet.

G.E.D Child Care
The Family Place offers childcare during Co-op times for anyone working on a G.E.D. who needs that time for study or testing.

Parenting Classes
Parenting classes address various topics specific to parenting. In addition, The Family Place offers educational programs for the community that include money management, employment and health related topics. Childcare is available in The Family Place Playroom during the sessions. Most classes are free, and pre-registration is required. Examples of Parenting Education Classes include:

• Nurturing Parenting Program - The Nurturing Parenting Programs are designed to build practical nurturing skills, especially for families struggling with specific parenting issues. The foundation of the program is that parenting is learned. Separate parent groups and children’s groups meet simultaneously. The Nurturing Programs seek to develop empathy in all family members, build positive, healthy interactions among family members, engage the learner on both cognitive (knowledge) level and affective (feeling) level and help both parents and children increase their self esteem. These classes meet requirements for court ordered parenting classes.

• The Incredible Years - Two Incredible Years programs and being offered this year; the first is designed for parents of pre-school age children (3-5), and the second is for parents of children ages 6 - 12 years.  Participants exchange ideas and increase their skills as  parents to support and help their children improve their social skills, value friendship, help others and improve their behavior.