Parenting and Family Support
Classes and Programs
Learn how children develop, what to expect and how to respond using effective discipline tips and techniques. Find ways to keep your cool while raising healthy, responsible children.
Find specific details on these programs and topics
Birthing Classes
These are offered to expecting parents at local hospitals or birthing centers in The Dalles, Hood River or Vancouver/Portland area. Check with your doctor, nurse-midwife or other health care provider to learn about when these classes are scheduled. Refresher classes are also available if you are expecting another child.
Mid Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles: First Impressions Family Birthing Center Prepared Childbirth Education
All classes are held in the Water's Edge in The Dalles. To register for classes, please call First Impressions at 541-296-5657. They offer a wide variety of labor and delivery choices, from water births to conventional options. Classes are offered in a two week series of four classes, or two day weekend courses. They also offer a breastfeeding class for new moms.
Childbirth Connections at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital
To register, please call 800-562-8964, or sign up on-line. For additional questions, concerns or to speak with an instructor, please call the childbirth education coordinator at 541-387-6344.
In this six-week series, you will also learn effective strategies for labor and delivery, and gain confidence for this life-changing experience. A tour of our family birth center and information on breastfeeding and newborn care will also be covered. The class meets on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m., and includes snacks. The cost of this class is $90. Please check with your insurance to see if you can be reimbursed for this course.
Peace Health SW Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, WA
All birthing classes are listed on their website, which you can access by clicking the above link.
DAD 101: New Dad Workshop at SW Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, WA
Are you a new or expectant Dad? Then this workshop is for you! More than just basic baby care, the New Dads Workshop offers men insight into preparing for those precious first few months of baby's life. This program is for men and taught by a man. It provides a "hands on" overview of baby's basic needs, the "things every Dad needs to know," and how to build a solid relationship with your child from the very first day. Register for these classes on-line at http://www.swmedicalcenter.org/baby-care-classes or call 360-514-BABY ext. 2229.
These are offered to expecting parents at local hospitals or birthing centers in The Dalles, Hood River or Vancouver/Portland area. Check with your doctor, nurse-midwife or other health care provider to learn about when these classes are scheduled. Refresher classes are also available if you are expecting another child.
Mid Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles: First Impressions Family Birthing Center Prepared Childbirth Education
All classes are held in the Water's Edge in The Dalles. To register for classes, please call First Impressions at 541-296-5657. They offer a wide variety of labor and delivery choices, from water births to conventional options. Classes are offered in a two week series of four classes, or two day weekend courses. They also offer a breastfeeding class for new moms.
Childbirth Connections at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital
To register, please call 800-562-8964, or sign up on-line. For additional questions, concerns or to speak with an instructor, please call the childbirth education coordinator at 541-387-6344.
In this six-week series, you will also learn effective strategies for labor and delivery, and gain confidence for this life-changing experience. A tour of our family birth center and information on breastfeeding and newborn care will also be covered. The class meets on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m., and includes snacks. The cost of this class is $90. Please check with your insurance to see if you can be reimbursed for this course.
- Childbirth preparation– Saturday workshop - Web-enhanced
- Breastfeeding preparation
Peace Health SW Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, WA
All birthing classes are listed on their website, which you can access by clicking the above link.
DAD 101: New Dad Workshop at SW Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, WA
Are you a new or expectant Dad? Then this workshop is for you! More than just basic baby care, the New Dads Workshop offers men insight into preparing for those precious first few months of baby's life. This program is for men and taught by a man. It provides a "hands on" overview of baby's basic needs, the "things every Dad needs to know," and how to build a solid relationship with your child from the very first day. Register for these classes on-line at http://www.swmedicalcenter.org/baby-care-classes or call 360-514-BABY ext. 2229.
Foster Parenting
Required training available for people interested in becoming a licensed foster parent. Debbie Haupt of Washington Division of Children and Family Services is the contact for these classes and trainings for both Klickitat and Skamania County. Classes are approximately 8 hours and are held on several Fridays and Saturdays. Background checks, in home assessments and inspections also take place. She can be reached at 509-773-7483. Providers also need CPR, HIV training, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen Training. A TB test is required. Licenses are valid for three years. Providers must also have 12 hours per year of continuing education classes to maintain licensing.
Required training available for people interested in becoming a licensed foster parent. Debbie Haupt of Washington Division of Children and Family Services is the contact for these classes and trainings for both Klickitat and Skamania County. Classes are approximately 8 hours and are held on several Fridays and Saturdays. Background checks, in home assessments and inspections also take place. She can be reached at 509-773-7483. Providers also need CPR, HIV training, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen Training. A TB test is required. Licenses are valid for three years. Providers must also have 12 hours per year of continuing education classes to maintain licensing.
DIVORCE AND CHILDREN
Children Cope With Divorce
This is NOT a counseling session. Child care is not provided, please do not bring children.
Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health presents the material. Please call to learn about the current fee. The fee may be lowered under special circumstances. A certificate of completion is provided at the end of the seminar.
Classes are held in Goldendale the first Saturday of April, June, August, October, December and February.
They are held in White Salmon the first Saturday of March, May, July, September, November and January.
Children Cope with Divorce helps parents understand the effects of divorce on their children. Provided for divorcing parents with children, custody proceedings or paternity actions. Topics include visitation issues, helping children with the trauma and transition divorce brings, and pitfalls to avoid. Parents in Skamania and Klickitat County are required to attend this four-hour seminar. If required to attend, please call the Klickitat County Family Court at 509-773-5744 or Skamania County Court at 509-427-3765.
This seminar explores typical reactions of children going through a divorce, offers skills that can help children cope, addresses visitation issues, as well as touching on other important issues. Children Cope with Divorce also assists parents going through paternity and non-parental custody actions. Contact the Training Coordinator at ccwd@cwcmh.org or call (509) 575-4084.
Children in the Middle-Parenting through Divorce $20.00
Parenting Through Divorce and Separation
A 2.5 hour workshop for parents who are experiencing divorce or separation. Offered through the Volunteer Lawyers Program in Vancouver, Washington. http://www.lawhelp.org/
*May be subject to schedule change-please call ahead!
This is NOT a counseling session. Child care is not provided, please do not bring children.
Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health presents the material. Please call to learn about the current fee. The fee may be lowered under special circumstances. A certificate of completion is provided at the end of the seminar.
Classes are held in Goldendale the first Saturday of April, June, August, October, December and February.
They are held in White Salmon the first Saturday of March, May, July, September, November and January.
Children Cope with Divorce helps parents understand the effects of divorce on their children. Provided for divorcing parents with children, custody proceedings or paternity actions. Topics include visitation issues, helping children with the trauma and transition divorce brings, and pitfalls to avoid. Parents in Skamania and Klickitat County are required to attend this four-hour seminar. If required to attend, please call the Klickitat County Family Court at 509-773-5744 or Skamania County Court at 509-427-3765.
This seminar explores typical reactions of children going through a divorce, offers skills that can help children cope, addresses visitation issues, as well as touching on other important issues. Children Cope with Divorce also assists parents going through paternity and non-parental custody actions. Contact the Training Coordinator at ccwd@cwcmh.org or call (509) 575-4084.
Children in the Middle-Parenting through Divorce $20.00
- Hood River-Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6-8 pm 965 Tucker Road
- The Dalles 318 W. 2nd Street Second Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 pm
- Spanish classes Third Wednesday 6-8 pm 965 Tucker Road, Hood River
Parenting Through Divorce and Separation
A 2.5 hour workshop for parents who are experiencing divorce or separation. Offered through the Volunteer Lawyers Program in Vancouver, Washington. http://www.lawhelp.org/
*May be subject to schedule change-please call ahead!
Kinship Care
Offered through the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities in Vancouver, Washington, this program helps grandparents and other relatives in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties navigate the complicated legal, financial, and resource challenges that come from raising younger relatives. Kinship care is typically classified in two ways: informal or formal. Relatives play an essential role in helping to meet the needs of children who are unable to live with their parents. The connection to family, relatives, and community is important to a growing child:
For more information, contact Sarah Revord at 360-759-4317.
Offered through the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities in Vancouver, Washington, this program helps grandparents and other relatives in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties navigate the complicated legal, financial, and resource challenges that come from raising younger relatives. Kinship care is typically classified in two ways: informal or formal. Relatives play an essential role in helping to meet the needs of children who are unable to live with their parents. The connection to family, relatives, and community is important to a growing child:
- Children can live with people they already know and trust.
- Children can maintain their personal and cultural identity.
- Families learn to rely on their own resources and strengths.
For more information, contact Sarah Revord at 360-759-4317.
PARENTING SUPPORT
PROGRAMS AND CURRICULUM / DETAILS AND INFORMATION
Incredible Years
Learn how to support your child emotionally, and teach them self control. As a parent, you will learn to use effective praise and rewards, encouragement, positive discipline, and how to play with your child with them leading the fun! Certificates awarded upon completion. Training hours for Early Childhood Care and Education Professionals are available through Oregon's Child Care Division.
Contact: nancyp@nextdoorinc.org for more information.
Love and Logic
These popular programs are for families with children ages 6 months to eighteen years. They based on the teachings of Jim Fay, a former school principal and his son Charles, a child psychologist. It uses humor, hope and empathy to help adults learn how to provide opportunities for children to make choices, learn limits, accept responsibility and understand consequences. Area agencies occasionally offer this program for parents. A five-week program is also available for parents with children ages one to six.
Schools also find it helpful with their teaching staff. There may be a small fee to cover costs of the workbooks. Call 509-426-4813 to find out if a class is being offered locally.
Love and Logic also offers on-demand webinars. Please go to this link for more information: www.loveandlogic.com. The cost is $40.00 and you will need high speed internet for best results.
There are other online classes available. Find them by searching for online parenting support in your browser. If you are required to take a class, please check with your counselor or social worker to see if the online class is approved and accepted.
Make Parenting a Pleasure
Offered by various agencies. This is a 12 week class for families with young children. It addresses topics such as self care for parents, stress and anger control, understanding child development (ages and stages), communication and positive discipline.
There will be a Spanish language class in White Salmon provided by Head Start beginning in March 2016. Check back for details, or contact Head Start at 541-306-2010.
Parenting a Second Time Around
This is a program for grandparents and other relatives taking on the responsibility of caring for relative children. Thank you for doing this! The next program will be offered at Stevenson High School in Stevenson, WA on October 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2017. There is no charge to attend. Click here for more details: Gen2Gen
Parenting Wisely
Check with Programs for Peaceful Living to see if the free program Parenting Wisely is available. This is a DVD based interactive curriculum that parents can access on an individual basis to gain additional parenting skills and tips. Parents and caregivers are shown a series of interactions between parents and children and then offered choices on the best response to the situation. Programs For Peaceful Living can be reached at 509-493-1533 in White Salmon or 509-773-6100 in Goldendale.
Staying Connected with Your Teen
Offered through the Wasco County Juvenile/Youth Services Department. This is a six week series for parents with pre-teens and teenagers covering topics such as adolescent growth and behavior, family meetings, communication, peer influence, solving family problems and more. The workshops are held at the Wasco County Youth Service Building, 202 East 5th Street in The Dalles, Oregon. To register call: Jensie Bryan at (503) 847-0288. Classes are free.
Strong Families
Presented occasionally through Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health. Strong Families~Familias Fuertes is a 13-session parenting program offered free in both English and Spanish. The program addresses the needs of all parents: stepparents, grandparents, single parents, foster parents, and other adults who have children in their life. The program is based on the Strengthening Multi-Ethnic Families and Communities: A Violence Prevention Parent Program developed by Dr. Marilyn Steele. Contact the Strong Families Coordinator at strongfam@cwcmh.org or call (509) 575-4084.
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 Years is a nationally recognized curriculum that provides parent, youth and family education. The model is designed to be delivered in local communities for groups of 7-12 families.
Educational programs that bring parents and their children together in learning environments strengthen entire families. Healthy parent-child communication reduces the risks of both substance abuse and teen pregnancy among teenagers, factors that are related to youth violence, depression, school failure and cycles of poverty. WSU Cooperative Extension offers the Strengthening Families Program as a model learning program for families.
Parents and children participate in this program both together and separately. It provides evidence-based curriculum in three main areas: parenting skills, children's life skills and family life skills. The program is offered in seven sessions, with four "booster" workshops available. Call 509-426-4813 if you'd like more information.
The Parent Project
Loving Solutions is a 6 to 7 week program written for parents raising difficult or strong-willed children, 5 to 10 year of age. Designed for classroom instruction, this program has special application to ADD and ADHD issues, and was written for the parents of more difficult children.
Changing Destructive Adolescent Behavior is a 10 to 16 week program designed for parents raising difficult or out-of-control adolescent children, ages 10 and up. Also designed for classroom use, “Changing Destructive Adolescent Behavior” provides concrete, no-nonsense solutions to even the most destructive of adolescent behaviors.
This program will be offered in 2017-2018. New train the trainer programs are taking place in Skamania County.
PROGRAMS AND CURRICULUM / DETAILS AND INFORMATION
Incredible Years
Learn how to support your child emotionally, and teach them self control. As a parent, you will learn to use effective praise and rewards, encouragement, positive discipline, and how to play with your child with them leading the fun! Certificates awarded upon completion. Training hours for Early Childhood Care and Education Professionals are available through Oregon's Child Care Division.
Contact: nancyp@nextdoorinc.org for more information.
Love and Logic
These popular programs are for families with children ages 6 months to eighteen years. They based on the teachings of Jim Fay, a former school principal and his son Charles, a child psychologist. It uses humor, hope and empathy to help adults learn how to provide opportunities for children to make choices, learn limits, accept responsibility and understand consequences. Area agencies occasionally offer this program for parents. A five-week program is also available for parents with children ages one to six.
Schools also find it helpful with their teaching staff. There may be a small fee to cover costs of the workbooks. Call 509-426-4813 to find out if a class is being offered locally.
Love and Logic also offers on-demand webinars. Please go to this link for more information: www.loveandlogic.com. The cost is $40.00 and you will need high speed internet for best results.
There are other online classes available. Find them by searching for online parenting support in your browser. If you are required to take a class, please check with your counselor or social worker to see if the online class is approved and accepted.
Make Parenting a Pleasure
Offered by various agencies. This is a 12 week class for families with young children. It addresses topics such as self care for parents, stress and anger control, understanding child development (ages and stages), communication and positive discipline.
There will be a Spanish language class in White Salmon provided by Head Start beginning in March 2016. Check back for details, or contact Head Start at 541-306-2010.
Parenting a Second Time Around
This is a program for grandparents and other relatives taking on the responsibility of caring for relative children. Thank you for doing this! The next program will be offered at Stevenson High School in Stevenson, WA on October 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2017. There is no charge to attend. Click here for more details: Gen2Gen
Parenting Wisely
Check with Programs for Peaceful Living to see if the free program Parenting Wisely is available. This is a DVD based interactive curriculum that parents can access on an individual basis to gain additional parenting skills and tips. Parents and caregivers are shown a series of interactions between parents and children and then offered choices on the best response to the situation. Programs For Peaceful Living can be reached at 509-493-1533 in White Salmon or 509-773-6100 in Goldendale.
Staying Connected with Your Teen
Offered through the Wasco County Juvenile/Youth Services Department. This is a six week series for parents with pre-teens and teenagers covering topics such as adolescent growth and behavior, family meetings, communication, peer influence, solving family problems and more. The workshops are held at the Wasco County Youth Service Building, 202 East 5th Street in The Dalles, Oregon. To register call: Jensie Bryan at (503) 847-0288. Classes are free.
Strong Families
Presented occasionally through Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health. Strong Families~Familias Fuertes is a 13-session parenting program offered free in both English and Spanish. The program addresses the needs of all parents: stepparents, grandparents, single parents, foster parents, and other adults who have children in their life. The program is based on the Strengthening Multi-Ethnic Families and Communities: A Violence Prevention Parent Program developed by Dr. Marilyn Steele. Contact the Strong Families Coordinator at strongfam@cwcmh.org or call (509) 575-4084.
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 Years is a nationally recognized curriculum that provides parent, youth and family education. The model is designed to be delivered in local communities for groups of 7-12 families.
Educational programs that bring parents and their children together in learning environments strengthen entire families. Healthy parent-child communication reduces the risks of both substance abuse and teen pregnancy among teenagers, factors that are related to youth violence, depression, school failure and cycles of poverty. WSU Cooperative Extension offers the Strengthening Families Program as a model learning program for families.
Parents and children participate in this program both together and separately. It provides evidence-based curriculum in three main areas: parenting skills, children's life skills and family life skills. The program is offered in seven sessions, with four "booster" workshops available. Call 509-426-4813 if you'd like more information.
The Parent Project
Loving Solutions is a 6 to 7 week program written for parents raising difficult or strong-willed children, 5 to 10 year of age. Designed for classroom instruction, this program has special application to ADD and ADHD issues, and was written for the parents of more difficult children.
Changing Destructive Adolescent Behavior is a 10 to 16 week program designed for parents raising difficult or out-of-control adolescent children, ages 10 and up. Also designed for classroom use, “Changing Destructive Adolescent Behavior” provides concrete, no-nonsense solutions to even the most destructive of adolescent behaviors.
This program will be offered in 2017-2018. New train the trainer programs are taking place in Skamania County.
