All of our classes offer evidence-based curriculums. Please check with your legal team or Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) caseworker about which classes can be counted as court ordered. You can filter classes by “certificate provided” if a certificate of completion is needed.

Even without custody, a parent plays a significant role in their child's life. By taking parenting classes, you can enhance your parenting skills, improve your relationship with your child, and contribute to a more positive and stable co-parenting environment.

Being an involved and supportive parent is possible even without custody. Taking parenting classes is a proactive step toward fulfilling that role and ensuring the well-being of your child.

Parenting classes are beneficial for all parents and caregivers, regardless of their experience level or family situation. Here are some key benefits: 

• Enhanced Parenting Skills and Parent-Child Relationship: Parenting classes equip parents with effective communication techniques, positive discipline strategies and conflict resolution skills. These skills are crucial for building strong relationships with children and fostering trust, cooperation, emotional connection and a positive family environment.

• Deeper Understanding of Child Development: The classes offer insights into child development milestones, age-appropriate behaviors, and common challenges faced by children at different stages. This knowledge helps parents understand their children better and respond to their needs more effectively.

• Reduced Stress and Conflict: Parenting classes teach parents how to manage stress, handle difficult situations and resolve conflicts peacefully. This can significantly improve family dynamics and create a more harmonious home environment.

• Increased Confidence: Equipping parents with knowledge and skills boosts their confidence in their parenting abilities. Confident parents are more likely to make informed decisions, set appropriate boundaries and provide consistent guidance to their children.

Support Network: Parenting classes offer a supportive community where parents can share their experiences, challenges and successes with others in similar situations.

• New parents/caregivers: Many first-time parents enroll in classes to learn basic child care skills, infant development information and effective parenting techniques.

• Experienced parents/caregivers: Even experienced parents may attend classes to refresh their skills.

• Parents involved in custody cases: Oregon law (ORS 3.425) requires parents involved in family law cases deciding child custody to attend parenting classes such as "Helping Your Children Cope with Family Change." This aims to equip parents with skills for co-parenting and navigating family changes.

• Anyone who cares for a child.

We offer classes for a wide range of ages. Use the filter on the class calendar to find ones for your target age. (link events calendar)

Evidence-based parenting involves using approaches that have been proven to be effective through scientific research. Caregivers can apply these strategies to promote the well-being of their families while aligning with their values.

Please reach out to the organizer/facilitator listed in the event description or flyer to be put on a waiting list or to learn about other upcoming classes.

All of our parenting programs are offered FREE of charge for families to benefit from!

YES! Meals are on us and child care is FREE for all families that attend our classes! All child care staff have passed a background check. Child care is provided for children ages 3-10. 

Classes are offered in various formats and locations throughout Marion & Polk counties. Please visit our class calendar for details on times and locations. (link events calendar)

Some parenting class series offer workbooks in addition to a certificate of completion that is given at the end of the series.

Most of our classes are offered in English or Spanish. Please refer to the class details.

No, classes are open to anyone caring for children!

Yes, anybody who is active and involved in raising or taking care of a child is welcome to attend our classes! Please inform the class organizer/facilitator how many will be attending.

Absolutely! We encourage family participation. Child care is provided for children ages 3-10. 

Check the calendar regularly for updated and newly added classes.