Parent Education

Dads 4 Kids is a program designed to provide support and resources for fathers and their spouses or partners.

In 2010 our parent education program grew beyond Dads 4 Kids. It expanded to include a morning class called Brunch and Learn, an evening class called Caring Dads and Moms, a class called Incredible Years for parents of preschool age children and a class for grandparents called Second Time Around. Total enrollment in all the 2010 classes was 77 parents and grandparents. The average enrollment in most classes is 12. Most parents who graduate from our classes ask to enroll in future parenting classes. We attribute their interest to the nurturing atmosphere and sense of community created by our facilitators. Most 2010 classes were supported by child care and a meal, thanks to short term funding from Promoting Safe and Stable Families. We found this support to be so essential for strong attendance that we decided to continue this kind of support for future of our classes, even though that funding was no longer available. The increased cost spurred us to seek alternative ways of providing this support. With the help of anenthusiastic board member, churches were invited to provide meals by rotating the responsibility between several churches. This collaboration is producing multiple dividends. Church members are discovering a new avenue for ministry in the community and are more intimately aware of services provided by Family Resource Center. Our parents are feeling the support of the church community and being introduced to different styles of cooking. As of February of 2011, between Incredible Years and Caring Dads and Moms, we are educating 34 parents. These are lively groups with lively discussions. Incredible Years meets at Hagen Early Education Center. Watch our calendar for future classes and schedules.

We look forward to educating the community at large through the venue of community events. Past community events have included Dads Day in the Park and Dads Day at the Roller Rink, Dads Day at the Pool, Fathers Reading Every Day in 2008, Dads Day in the Courthouse square in 2009 and a Bike rodeo and car seat safety event in 2010.

Dads 4 Kids continues to offer 1:1 consultation about concerns that fathers have about their relationship with their children, visitation, child custody and child support. The consultation provides a forum for men to set goals regarding self sufficiency, skill development or other areas that impact being all that their children need them to be. Whenever possible we make efforts to hold supportive father gatherings, where men can encourage one another to move toward the goal of being the best Dads they can be. In the fall of the year we traditionally host a "Child Support Day" where attorneys and child support workers offer free advice about issues that impact children.

For more resources for fathers, visit the National Fatherhood Initiative at fatherhood.org.