Parenting Fundamentals

Parenting Fundamentals gives parents tools to help their children live fulfilling, productive lives. This evidence-based course with comprehensive support empowers parents to improve school performance and strengthen families.

Parenting Classes

• Parents learn positive parenting skills including connecting with children, effective discipline, supporting school success, and parent self-care
• Weekly two-hour sessions for 8 or 10 weeks
• Classes targeted to age of the child: ages 0-4, 4-8, 8-12, and 12-18
• Culturally sensitive curriculum
• English and Spanish instruction
• Classes open to DCFS and court-referred families

Home Visits

• One-on-one time with parent educator to address issues that may be difficult to bring up in the group
• View parent-child interaction in the home
• Assessment of other resources the family may need

Connection to Other Services

• Parent support groups
• Referrals within Metropolitan or to other agencies for services such as mental health or substance abuse counseling, legal aid services, housing, benefits, and quality early childhood education

Help Accessing Classes

• Classes take place in community settings around the city
• Child care/art enrichment for children while parents attend classes
• Classes offered in English and in Spanish

For more information please call 773-884-2290

If you are interested in hosting a parenting class at your organization please contact Katharine Bensinger at 773-371-3735 or bensingk@metrofamily.org.

Parenting Fundamentals is included in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.