Skills for Parenting in the Early Years
Pre-Registration Interest Form

This opportunity is possible due to the generous three year  grant received from the Early Years Initiative from Early Learning Indiana and supported by Lilly Endowment.   There are limited spaces available for participants in each cohort.   We must also ensure all participants meet the eligibility requirements to participate.  Various cohorts will have different eligibility, but all cohorts will focus on parenting during the early years from prenatal to 3 years old.   You will be notified if you are selected to participate. 

Attendance weekly for the 8 week session is important.  Weekly giveaways will be available for those in attendance each week.  In order to earn the free car seat, participants must be in attendance for at least 7 of the 8 sessions.  

Dinner will be provided from 5:30-6:00 pm at the start of each weekly session.  The parenting class will then run from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Class sessions: Thursdays  5:30 PM- 8:00 PM; Muncie Cohort 1 sessions begin May 2, 2024 and run through June 20, 2024. This is a non-credit, skills training opportunity. Professional development/completion certificates will be provided, but college credit/transcripts will not.

Eligibility Requirements for Muncie Cohort 1:

• Cohort 1 topics will focus on first time pregnant mothers and mothers/parents of infants (on-site child care is not available at this time, but newborn baby is welcome to attend if needed)

Anticipated Program Outcomes:

• Demonstrate enhanced positive parenting practices such as prenatal and well-child visits, healthy habits, early recognition and intervention of developmental milestones, supportive play and interactions, and reading. 

• Build a network of support through community resources and fellow parents. 

• Increased awareness of Ivy Tech Community College and the opportunities that are available.

Tentative Schedule

• Week 1: Welcome, Introductions and Expectations

• Week 2: Safety and Environmental Health, Infant and Toddler CPR and First Aid

• Week 3: Child and Parent Health and Self-care

• Week 4: Child Literacy and the Importance of Reading to Your Baby

• Week 5: Safe Sleep, Period of Purple Crying and Abuse Prevention

• Week 6: The Importance of Play

• Week 7: Support Team and Planning for the Hospital

• Week 8: Takeaways, Celebration and Car Seat Installation

Meet the Instructor:
Amanda Girten, LSW is thrilled to have the opportunity to share community resources, tools and information with you. With over 12 years of experience working in a variety of ways with children and families, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges and joys that come with this important role. As a practicing therapist with both children and adults, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of therapy in empowering individuals and families to navigate the complexities of life. On a personal level, I am also a proud parent of four wonderful kids, which has further enriched my understanding of the struggles and rewards of parenting. My goal is to provide you with the support, guidance, and resources you need to thrive on your parenting journey.