CONTACT: Candy Eaton, Program Director

“Parenting Series for Pre-school and School-age Families”

The Hancock County Children’s Council will be presenting a 7-week series for parents of pre-school and school-age students beginning January 18, 2004 at the Sullivan Head Start Center, Route One in Sullivan. The STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) program offers parents practical alternatives for meeting the challenges of raising children today. Parents will meet in a study group format and develop skills for listening, resolving conflicts and exploring pathways toward better communication.

Being an effective parent is both rewarding and challenging. The course is FREE and classes will be Tuesday evenings 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the Sullivan Head Start Center (directions below). The Parent’s Handbook is available for $15.00. Please call 667-5304 (ext. 261), Hancock County Children’s Council to register for Systematic Training for Effective Parenting. Refreshments will be provided, and child care may be available – please let us know your needs when you register for the series.

The STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) program provides a practical approach to raising children. You have many choices about how you want to raise your child. STEP can be your partner in making choices that are helpful for you and your child. It can help you find ways to meet the challenges of parenting, one step at a time. As you practice what STEP teaches, your skills and confidence will grow.

Funding for this series is made possible by a grant from Mainely Parents, a statewide grassroots prevention program of Day One. Through collaborations with local agencies, parents receive help with education, support and advocacy. You may learn more about Mainely Parents at 1-800-249-5506.

The Hancock County Children’s Council is a community effort dedicated to strengthening families in our local area. Please contact the Hancock County Children’s Council to learn about other parenting classes and workshops available in our community or visit our Parent Resource Library at 52 Christian Ridge Road, Ellsworth (1-800-492-5550). The Children’s Council seeks to improve the lives of Maine families and children through educating parents and other providers of care with resource materials through our lending library of books, pamphlets, audiotapes and videotapes. Please visit our website at www.downeasthealth.org for additional information on child safety and family educational resources available.Directions to Sullivan Head Start, Route One, Sullivan, ME: From Ellsworth, take US Route One north through Hancock, cross the Hancock/Sullivan Bridge and bear right. Nearly one mile on your left will be a one-story blue building which houses the Sullivan Head Start Center and Sullivan Town Office. Parking is in the rear of the building.