Programs for Children

Six Easy Steps

What is it? SES is a 6-week parenting class series that is held on Tuesday nights from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Download SES Flyer
View SES class schedule

How often is it done? The SES parenting series is presented 4 times a year starting in September and ending in May.

Who teaches the class? Beth Castro, a Parent Educator, is the instructor. She has a Social Work background, has 2 children of her own, and additionally facilitated a family-skills based program through Region Ten titled “Strengthening Families Program.” Beth has been teaching this specific class series since August 2005.

Where is it held? SES classes are held at CYFS (1000 East High Street). LIMITED free childcare is provided. Free & ample parking is available on site.

Who attends the class? SES classes are for parents and caretakers of children 2-12 years old. Our participants are diverse. We view their different perspectives and reasons for attending as a terrific springboard for the group discussions. The majority of the parents who attend are sincerely trying to improve their parenting skills & relationships with their children.

What is covered in the classes? SES uses the national curriculum Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) from American Guidance Service Inc. and includes parenting strategies and suggestions from a variety of proven parent education curriculums, books, and parent educators. Some of the topics include: ages and stages of child development info; respectful communication; understanding the goals of your child’s behavior, setting limits and giving choices, encouraging your child, consistency; how and why to do family meetings; conflict resolution approaches; anger and stress management strategies; strengths based parenting; community resources; and a variety of handouts on specific parenting challenges.

How is it taught? SES classes are multi-learning experiences that use parenting videos, simple reading and homework assignments, class discussions, group problem solving, and class exercises. We do some initial assessment of what is working and what is not and help each parent/family develop some specific parenting strategies that work.

Are there other services provided? Yes, there are handouts provided on key ingredients for successful parenting and suggestions on addressing specialized parenting challenges (i.e. drug use, blended families). We also offer 3 optional parent consultation meetings that help families apply what they have learned in the classes and address each family’s specific parenting challenges. We allow extra time after our classes for specific parent questions. A 7th booster/ refresher class is offered for those interested, at no additional cost.

What is the cost? The cost of the entire 6 classes is $80 per adult, $100 fee per couple or $130 per family. This also covers the optional parent consultation meetings, free childcare, a parenting manual and class handouts.

Who funds this program? This class series is funded by a Virginia Department of Social Services Community Based Child Abuse grant with local support from the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and other local donors and partner agencies.

Why do it? As most parents already realize, parenting is not taught in our mainstream public education system. Most of us rely on what our parents did and/ or what we think we should do. Too often this approach usually involves good intentions but inconsistent and ineffective parenting approaches. Luckily there are tried and true parenting strategies and skills that can be learned and used to resolve existing family challenges. This class series provides practical strategies and tools that can help a family reorganize their efforts toward a more successful family and parenting experience. An investment of 6 evenings of your time and $80 is a small price to pay for some worthwhile parenting strategies. Most of the parents who take our classes, required or voluntarily, tell us that they are very glad they did.

Does it work? Definitely. We ask parents to fill out satisfaction surveys at the conclusion of the classes and the results are always very positive. We are committed to evaluating and improving our classes and the results indicate that our classes are appreciated and successful at helping parents and their children. The STEP goals: to raise a child who is happy, healthy, confident, cooperative, and responsible; to build a strong, lifelong relationship with your child; to help your child grow to be a responsible adult, & to raise a child who is loved and able to give love.

What Parents are Saying About this Class:

As participants have completed the full parenting program, over the last 5 years, they have responded on our satisfaction survey with the following:

100% of participants reported that the information was useful to them as a parent.
99% of participants would recommend this class to a friend.
99% of participants believe they can apply what they learned.
99% of participants reported that the program helped them to improve their parenting skills.

TESTIMONIALS on what participants liked MOST about the SES program:

“I'm pretty amazed at how much calmer our household has become since taking this class. I feel much better about how I relate to my children now.”
“The STEP program is very helpful- it’s written and discussed in a way that is easy to understand”.
“Great class structure, with plenty of time for open dialog.” “Very respectful environment.”
“It supports families and teaches them the right steps on how to discipline & raise a child (toddler to teen).”

VIEW/DOWNLOAD results of all questions on Satisfaction Survey

How do I enroll? Enrollment can easily be started here with our online registration system, or done over the phone. Parent Educators are also willing to meet with families prior to the class to explain the curriculum and answer questions. Please note that you must talk with the class instructor, Beth Castro, to complete the class enrollment process. Call her at 434 296-4118 x224.

Class Schedule 2013-2014 Download schedule

Ways to Get Started:

Call Beth Castro at 296-4118 extension 224
Email Beth Castro at bcastro@cyfs.org
Check the calendar for upcoming sessions and registration