Professional Development Training Classes
These classes are offered to Parenting Matters Partners free of charge, with the expectation
that participants will offer parent trainings in El Paso County.
For more information call Parenting Matters at 632-0290.
BrainWise
Date:
Time:
Location:
Sign up:
CEU’s:
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
(CLASS FULL)
8:30-4:30
Wasson Academic Campus, 2115 Afton Way, Colorado Springs
An Eventbrite link will be sent to partner agencies three weeks prior
7 clock hours (7 CEU’s), college credit available
Teaching children, teens and adults how to develop adaptive reasoning and problem solving skills is the purpose of the
BrainWise program. The need to teach thinking skills is universal and the BrainWise program is designed to give instructors a
teaching guide that shows them how to apply thinking to problems (customized to fit the demographics of the participants).
Parenting, substance abuse, relationships, violence, joblessness, depression, suicide -- any problem -- can be analyzed using
the BrainWise framework.
The BrainWise curriculum combines research from medicine, education, and the social sciences, creating a format that
effectively teaches children, teens and adults how to develop decision making and problem solving skills. In addition to
medical research on the brain, BrainWise incorporates Bandura's social learning theory, Ellis and Beck's cognitive models on
restructuring distorted thinking, Seligman's positive psychology and theory of optimism, Sternberg's model of intellectual
development, Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and Jessor's interdisciplinary paradigm on using protective factors to
reduce risk.
Partners in Parenting
Date:
Time:
Location:
Sign up:
CEU’s:
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
8:30-4:30
CASA, 701 S. Cascade, Colorado Springs
An Eventbrite link will be sent to partner agencies three weeks prior.
7 clock hours (.7 CEU’s), college credit available
Partners in Parenting (PIP) is a skill-based prevention program for parents. It is designed to prevent youth involvement in drug
use by strengthening family relationships and promoting positive behaviors and lifestyles. The PIP curriculum provides parents
with new and enhanced knowledge, skills, and techniques that they can utilize to help their children remain drug free. The PIP
program uses a framework that emphasizes the role of risk and protective factors in the development of youth substance
abuse problems. In six two-hour workshops, participants are exposed to research findings, participate in experiential activities,
and practice key skills. Parents learn about a range of topics that impact youth outcomes, from self-esteem, problem solving,
discipline and communication, to drug information.
Make Parenting a Pleasure
Date:
Time:
Location:
Sign up:
CEU’s:
Tuesday, March 4th and Wednesday, March 5th 2014
8:30-4:30 (both days)
The Gill Foundation, 315 E. Costilla, Colorado Springs
An Eventbrite link will be sent to partner agencies three weeks prior.
14 clock hours (.14 CEU’s), college credit available
The Make Parenting a Pleasure curriculum is a research based strength approach to parenting that uses best practice
principles. The curriculum focuses first on the need for self-care and personal empowerment, and moves from an adult/adult
focus to a parent/child/family emphasis. The content is adaptable and flexible to a wide range of parenting education
programs. It contains sufficient material for a several-month program to a year-long program.
The program builds on family strengths and helps parents develop a strong support network. The curriculum is interactive and
uses discussion and experiential activities in both large and small groups. The content addresses issues that all families face at
one time or another, and can be adapted to most populations. The Curriculum consists of 13 modules that can be taught as a
complete course or as individual components or as a home visiting program. The modules include stress reduction, anger
management, realistic expectations, communication skills and positive discipline; all of which contribute to prevention.
Second Time Around
Date:
Time:
Location:
Sign Up:
CEU’s:
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
8:30-4:30
To be determined
An Eventbrite link will be sent to partner agencies three weeks prior
7 clock hours (.7 CEU’s), college credit available
The number of grandchildren living in grandparent-headed households almost doubled from 1960-2000. Second Time Around:
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is a curriculum guide for group leaders; developed at Western Michigan University. The
programs’ goal is to educate and provide valuable information and resources to grandparents and help them in their role as
caregivers. Additionally you will learn steps to develop a forum in which grandparent caregivers can build peer support and
exchange ideas and information.
Strengthening Families
Date:
Time:
Location:
Sign up:
CEU’s:
Tuesday, May 6th and Wednesday, May 7th, 2014
8:30-4:30 (both days)
To be determined
An Eventbrite link will be sent to partner agencies 3 weeks prior.
14 clock hours (.14 CEU’s), college credit available
Strengthening Families Program for 10-14 year olds is recognized for its positive effects on youth and families. SFP
10-14 was developed at Iowa State University and provides a template for seven two-hour sessions. In the first hour
group leaders meet with parents and youth separately and use videos, games and activities to help build skills
through discussion and interaction. In the second hour, the parents and youth meet as a family and learn to solve
problems, bond as a family and work together to help children deal with peer pressure.
In general, SFP 10-14:
 Builds on family strengths and improves relationships
 Decreases the likelihood of family conflict and risky adolescent behavior