Parenting Education Classes

Human Services

Building Stronger Families Together

FREE

PARENTING EDUCATION CLASSES

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We’re here for you & your family.

As one of Virginia’s largest Human Services departments, the Newport News Department of Human Services (NNDHS) is proud to serve our community with programs designed to help families thrive. Whether you’re navigating a challenge or looking for resources to strengthen your family, we’re ready to connect you with the support you need.

Our Commitment to You

We believe every family has unique strengths.

Our role is to help you build on those strengths, access the right resources, and create positive change that lasts. From parenting support to essential services, we’re here to walk alongside you on your journey.

Ready to Connect?

Main Office 6060 Jefferson Avenue Newport News, VA 23605 757-926-6300 Denbigh Satellite Office 368 Deshazor Drive Newport News, VA 23608 757-369-3160 Four Oaks Day Service Center 7401 Warwick Boulevard Newport News, VA 23607 757-975-5201

Stay Connected

Follow “Newport News Human Services“ for updates, resources, and community news.

Overview of Parenting Education Why Parenting Education?

Every parent wants what’s best for their children, but parenting doesn’t come with a manual. That’s where we come in.

Parent education gives you practical strategies, helpful tools, and new insights to better understand your child’s development and unique needs. You’ll learn to recognize what your child is communicating through their behavior and respond in ways that strengthen your relationship and support their growth.

Most importantly, these classes create a space where you can connect with other parents, share experiences, and build confidence in your parenting journey.

Finding the Right Fit

We offer programs designed to meet families where they are. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your parenting skills, navigate a challenging season, or heal from difficult experiences, we have a program that can support you.

Universal Programs

PRIMARY EDUCATION Open to all parents and caregivers who want to enhance their parenting knowledge and build new skills. These classes cover a wide

range of topics that matter to every family — from child development and positive discipline to communication and stress management.

Specialized Support Programs

SECONDARY EDUCATION Designed for families facing specific challenges or stress factors. These classes focus on building awareness around parenting approaches and strengthening skills in areas that help keep children safe and families healthy. Some participants may be working with the court system, while others are proactively seeking support.

Intensive Family Programs

TERTIARY EDUCATION Tailored for families healing from trauma or difficult experiences. These programs go deeper — helping parents understand how their own childhood and beliefs shape their parenting today. With this insight, parents gain the power to break old patterns and create lasting positive change for their families. Many participants are involved with the court system, though not all.

No matter which program you’re in, you’ll be met with respect, compassion, and a commitment to your family’s success.

REGISTER TODAY!

To register for a parenting education class, please scan the QR code or visit nnva.gov/human-services.

Education Classes We Offer The Newport News Departmentof Human Services offers five education classes:

PARENT-TO-BE

Birth to Five

Six to Twelve

Active Parenting of Teens

Co-Parenting

Parent-to-Be 11-Week Class Getting ready to welcome a new baby? Our Parent-to-Be class covers the essentials. Over 11 weeks, we’ll explore everything from safe sleeping practices and stress management to proper nutrition and navigating healthy relationships.

Topics covered in this course include: •

Understanding substance risks (prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use)

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Body image, weight gain, and brain development

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Proper nutrition

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Healthy sexual relationships

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Safe sleeping practices

Page 10 - Large photo or photos of parents and/or children age(s) from 6 to 12

Birth to Five 10-Week Class Raising little ones often comes with big questions. Our Birth to Five class helps parents and caregivers understand how toddlers and children grow, learn, and respond to the world in the earliest years of life. Over 10 weeks, we offer tools and tips for everything from positive discipline and setting family rules to baby-proofing your home.

Topics covered in this course include: •

Coping with parenting stress

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Behavioral guidance and management techniques

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Praising practices that encourage good behavior

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Babyproofing your home

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Setting family rules

Six to Twelve 10-Week Class When children hit the school-age years, everything starts to shift for them and their parents. Our Six to Twelve class helps parents navigate this stage of their lives with confidence. Over 10 weeks, we’ll explore everything from the benefits of family time and youth activities to communicating effectively and techniques for positive discipline.

Topics covered in this course include: •

Communication strategies

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Positive discipline techniques

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Managing anger and emotions

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Self-esteem and independence

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Family time and youth activities

Active Parenting of Teens 8-Week Class Parenting teens can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate that alone. Our Active Parenting of Teens class provides you with the tools you need to raise mindfully aware teenagers. Over eight weeks, we’ll dive into important topics such as how to communicate effectively with your teen, encouraging confidence and a positive self-image, and so much more.

Topics covered in this course include: •

Understanding teen development and changes

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Preventing risky behavior and substance abuse

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Positive, age-appropriate discipline

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Building strong communication

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Encouraging confidence and self-esteem

Co-Parenting 4-Hour Class Even when the relationship ends, parenting continues. Our Co-Parenting Seminar is offered once a month, year-round, giving you flexibility to attend when it works for your schedule. This single-session, 4-hour class is designed to help separated or divorced parents put their children first by building better communication, reducing conflict, and creating stability across two households.

This is a one-time seminar. It does not fulfill court-ordered multi-session parenting education requirements.

Topics covered in this seminar include: •

Conflict resolution and communication

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The effects of separation and divorce

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Sharing parenting responsibilities

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Financial responsibilities and planning

Connecting You to Local Support

NNDHS is a proud member of the Hampton Roads Parenting Education Network (HRPEN) — a collaborative group of agencies and organizations united in supporting families like yours.

What HRPEN Offers

HRPEN members are committed to evidencebased best practices in parenting education and work together to bring you quality programs throughout Hampton Roads.

Supporting Families Across Virginia

NNDHS is a proud member of the Virginia Statewide Parent Education Coalition (VSPEC) — a statewide network strengthening existing services and identifying gaps in parent education programs throughout Virginia.

What VSPEC Does

Member organizations work together to support professionals through year-round training, promote evidence-based parenting education, connect resources and services across all Virginia regions, and advocate for families by monitoring legislation and policies that impact family support.

Through this network, you’ll find: • Child health and development: Understanding your child’s growth and wellness • Positive parenting strategies: Building strong connections and effective discipline • Healthy relationships: Strengthening family bonds • Timely topic: Addressing stress, bullying, mental health, and more • Community resources: Connecting you with local support • Flexible formats: Workshops, webinars, classes, playgroups, and more

Ready to Explore?

Visit chkd.org/HRPEN for more information.

Core Values • • • • • •

Nurture and protect children Empower parents and caregivers Uphold integrity in all services Reflect best practices and diversity in how we work together Strengthen communication among parent education networks Promote physical and emotional well-being

VSPEC is convened by Families Forward Virginia through quarterly meetings that keep the coalition coordinated and effective.

Learn More

Visit familiesforwardva.org to explore resources or find parent education programs near you.

Human Services

CONNECT WITH US

nnva.gov/human-services

Non-Discrimination Statement The Newport News Department of Human Services (NNDHS) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). DHS does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity).