Alan R. Mack Parents Center Class Schedule
May-August 2006

pdf of Spring Family Times class listings
pdf of Summer Family Times class listings

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO START DATE

Unless noted, classes take place at
Alan R. Mack Parents Center, Jewish Family Service
11223 Cornell Park Drive, Blue Ash, OH

To register, contact Sandee Golden at (513) 766-3323 or sgolden@jfscinti.org

Or send in the JFS Alan R. Mack Parents Center Registration Form

Did you know?

·         The Mack Center can make arrangements for on-site childcare during parenting classes.  Reservations are required; please call for more details.

·         Mack classes can be held in your home or at your office? See below for details.

·         JFS welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

·         JFS is accessible for people with mobility disabilities.

CLASSES FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER
Signing Safari ^TM
(for parents and hearing babies/toddlers)
Research has proven that when hearing babies and toddlers learn to sign, their brains become more developed. Benefits include earlier speech development, higher IQs and less frustration (less crying, fewer tantrums!).  Singing while signing surrounds your child with language and allows him or her to hear its rhythm.  Songs, rhythmical music, games and finger play enhance the development of your child’s cognitive, motor and memory skills.
Date/Time:  Thursdays, June 22 - August 3 , 6:00-7:00 PM
                    (No class July 6 or July 27)
                   or Mondays, July 31 - August 28, 10:00-11:00 AM
Leader: Jeanne Bloemer, MA Early Childhood Development
Fee:  $60 (5 week series)

Social Skills Strategies - ADHD/ADD
(for children in elementary grades together with parents)
Children with ADHD/ADD and their parents will come together to learn techniques and strategies to improve children's social skills. Topics include: understanding your child’s social challenges; managing impulsive behavior; helping your child become more comfortable in social settings; following a household schedule; improving communication between parent and child; and eliminating power struggles.  Classes are interactive and include role-playing and hands-on activities. Children will practice what they have learned and share their successes and challenges with guided support from parents and teacher.
Date/Time: Wednesdays, July 12-26, 6:30-8:00 PM
Leader: Lisa Zelvy, M Ed Special Education
Fee: $45 (3 week series)

Play Group
(for parents and babies/toddlers)
Looking for ways to connect with other parents? Come with your baby and meet moms, dads, and grandparents at the Mack Parents Center. Parents have fun talking and babies have more fun playing!
Date:  Mondays, June 5-August 21
Time: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Fee:  Free of Charge
Ongoing-call for reservations 

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN
Music, Crafts & Storytime (ages 2 - 3 years)
Children meet new friends; learn new songs, games, stories and art projects; and have a blast playing at the rice table.  Miss Deborah also finds the time to do easy yoga exercises with the children!  A great opportunity for your child to learn how to gently separate from you. 
A snack is provided.
Date:  Wednesdays, May 31 - July 12 (no class July 5)
            or  Thursdays, June 1 - July 13 (no class July 6)
            or Wednesdays, July 19 - August 23
            or Thursdays, July 20 - August 24
Time:  9:30-11:00 AM
Leader:  Deborah Birckhead,  B Ed
Fee:  $108 (6 week series - make up dates available to accommodate participants’  summer vacations)
Late enrollment accepted where space is available.

Busy Buddies (ages 3 - 5 years)
A fun and creative enrichment class for preschoolers that will include stories, games, art, and much more.  A great class for making new friends.  Please pack a lunch for your child.
Date:  Wednesdays, June 7 - July 12 (no class July 5)
            or  Thursdays, June 8 - July 13 (no class July 6)
            or Wednesdays, July 19 - August 16
            or Thursdays, July 20 - August 17
Time:  11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
Leader:  Deborah Birckhead,  B Ed
Fee:  $90 (5 week series - make up dates available to accommodate participants’  summer vacations)
Late enrollment accepted where space is available. 

Yello Dyno Safety Program (ages 3-7 years)
This program empowers young children with the skills needed to avoid dangerous situations and to protect themselves when their safety is challenged.  Using music and hands-on activities, a foot stompin’, tail thumpin’ dinosaur will teach your child about the tricks of “Tricky People,” how to yell for help and what to do if they become lost.
Date:  Tuesday, June 20
          or Monday, July 24
          or Friday, August 18
Time:  9:45-10:30 AM
Leader: Amy Faust, M Ed
Fee:  $10
(Also recommended: Raising Safe Kids in an Unsafe World)

Social Skills Arts Camp
(for children ages 5 - 8 years with Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Using music, movement, stories, sensory activities and visual cues children will engage in fun-filled activities as they learn concepts such as: following directions, sitting in a small group, name recognition, steps to getting dressed independently, categories and things that go together.
Date: Monday - Friday, July 17-21
Time: 12:30 - 2:00 PM
Leader:  Debbie Abitz, M Ed Special Education
Fee:  $60  (5 day series) 

Understanding and Managing Your Emotions
(for children ages 7 - 12 years)
This is an interactive class in which children learn to identify their emotions and to make positive behavioral choices when dealing with their emotions.  Topics include slow and fast triggers, coping skills and improving communication skills.  
Date: Tuesdays, July 25 - August 8
Time:  7:00-8:30 PM
Leader:  Jackie Drake, MSW, LISW
Fee:  $45 (3 week series)
We will determine a three-year age range for the class after registration intake.
(Also recommend “Helping Children Deal with Anger” for parents.)

CLASSES FOR PARENTS
Let's Start Talking...Before They Start Drinking
A Mason Townhall Meeting to reduce underage and childhood use of alcohol.
Join this community panel as they discuss underage drinking issues and talk with the parents and community members about what actions they can take to keep our teens safe and flourishing.
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 2, 7:00 -8:30 p.m.
Location: Mason High School, 6100 S. Mason-Montgomery Rd.
Group Leaders: Community Panel
    including Dr. Richard Heyman, Suburban Pediatrics
Fee:  Free of charge
Information: Vycki Haught, 398-5025,ext 30311,                                            haughtv@mason.k12.oh.us

Talking with Your Child about S - E - X
(for parents of early adolescent children)
This 2 hour interactive workshop examines the process of effective parental communication about the many and varied subjects that are human sexuality. If you are concerned that media teaches more about sexuality than you do, maybe it’s time to take a look at why.
Date/Time: Monday, May 15,  7:00 - 9:00  p.m.  
Group Leader: Richelle Frabotta, MS Ed, AASECT Certified Sex
           Educator, Director Education Services, Social Health Education
Fee:  $15

Social and Sexuality Issues for Teens with Disabilities
(for parents with teenagers)
Are you struggling with puberty and other issues of adolescence for your son or daughter with special needs?  This class targets issues and strategies specific to this challenging period of life.  You also have the opportunity to discuss specific behaviors and disabilities that pertain to your teen.
Date:  Tuesday, May 23
Time:  7:00-9:00 PM
Leader:  Nancy  Kopnick, PhD
Fee:  $20

Biting and Temper Tantrums
(for parents of toddlers)

Biting and temper tantrums are some of the most puzzling and frustrating toddler behaviors known to any parent! Learn why they happen, how to respond, and how to prevent them through effective behavior management techniques.

Date: Monday, June 19
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Leader: Mary Lynne Shuster, BA, Early Childhood, 4C
Fee: $15

Avoiding Power Struggles with Children
(for parents of toddlers and preschoolers)
Do you find yourself in arguments with your children, and think, “How did I get here AGAIN?” Despite your best efforts to stay calm, do your kids push your buttons every time? There are ways to respond to children and set limits that will minimize these conflicts and, over time, help your children choose appropriate behavior. Learn why we get in power struggles with our children, and how to use language, consequences and other strategies to minimize these conflicts.
Date: Monday, June 26
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Leader: Kathy Haders, BA Early Childhood, 4C
Fee:  $15 

Temperament and Your Child

This workshop will explore temperament and its effect on family dynamics inside and outside the home.  You will have the opportunity to reflect on your temperament, the temperaments of different family members, and everyone’s compatibility. 
Date:   Tuesday, August 1
Time: 7:00-8:30 PM
Leader:  Linda Kean, MA
Fee:  $15

Active Parenting Now! - in 3 weeks
(for parents of children ages 4 - 10 years) 
Are you ready to stop yelling and start communicating with your child?  Do you wonder how to increase your child’s willingness to cooperate and take responsibility?  This series teaches strategies to help you prepare your child to courageously meet the challenges life poses.  Topics include discipline, power struggles, logical consequences and perfectionism. 
Date:  Tuesdays, May 16-30
          or Tuesdays, June 20 - July 11 (no class July 4)
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Leader:   Linda Kean, MA
Fee:  $45 per person, $70 per couple (3 week series)
Workbook:  $15 per family

Helping Children Deal with Anger
(for parents of children in elementary grades)
Gain an overview of ways parents can help children manage their anger.  Some topics include understanding the source of the anger, diffusing problematic situations and calming and self-monitoring techniques. 
Date:   Monday, May 22
           or Thursday, June 15
           or Thursday, August 17
Time:  7:00-9:00 PM 
Leader:  Lisa Zelvy, M Ed Special Education
Fee:  $15
(Also recommend “Understanding Your Emotions” for children.)

Advocating for Your Child with a Disability
Do you have a child with special needs?  Do you want to learn more about the special education maze and your child’s rights in Ohio?  This class will cover special education law, differences between IDEA and Section 504, keeping a paper trail, writing a good IEP, and resolving conflicts with your school district.
Date: Tuesday, August 15
Time:  7:00-9:00 PM
Leader:  Ava Fried, MLS, M Ed, Parent Resource Coordinator,
              Sycamore Community Schools
Fee:  $15

Communicating with Your “Tween” and Teen
(for parents of children ages 10-14)
Conflict is inevitable during the pre-teen years, and every parent struggles with some communication challenges.  This interactive workshop offers information and skills to improve communication with your pre-teen and prevent common conflicts from escalating.
Date:  Monday, July 10
          or Wednesday, August 16
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Leader:  Amy Faust, M Ed
Fee:  $15

Building Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence
Learn ways to foster emotional health and resilience in your child as he or she grows from a toddler to an adult.  Learn how to encourage emotional awareness, sensitivity and cooperation in families to help children be capable of obtaining happiness, kindness, responsibility and self-directed achievement.
Date:  Tuesday, July 18
Time:  7:00-9:00 PM
Leader:  Jackie Drake, MSW, LISW
Fee:   $15

Raising Safe Kids in an Unsafe World
(for parents of children ages 3 - 7 years)
In less than a minute, a child abductor can lure a child out of a park, mall or backyard.  Parents will learn simple, non-fearful steps to take to protect  your child.  Learn how to teach your child to be safe, not scared. 
Dates: Thursday, May 18
          or Wednesday, August 2
Time:  7:00-8:30 PM
Leader: Jean Zito, Yello Dyno Safety Program Coordinator
Fee: $15
(Also recommended: Yello Dyno Safety Program)

Capacitar for Kids :  A Multicultural Wellness Program
“Capacitar for Kids”, a program of Capacitar International, was developed by Brazilian, Paulo Freite in 1988.  “Capacitar” is  a Spanish word that means “to empower”.  The program uses a hands-on approach to teach kids how to manage physical and emotional stress associated with all types of life change.  Capacitar teaches emotional literacy, helping children to identify feelings, manage strong emotions and release stress.   

Children learn finger holds, meditation and movement exercises such as Tai Chi and stretching.  The program teaches skills that children can use on their own and to pass on to family and friends.  The practices and methods of the program have been field tested by Capacitar International with many different cultures and socioeconomic groups. 

Trainings are available for teachers, parents or children.  For more information contact Jackie Drake at 766-3317 or jdrake@jfscinti.org. 

Parenting Consultation
Don’t know which class to take? Schedule a phone consultation to find out which class meets your needs.

Are you looking for guidance to support your family concerns?  Individual parenting consultation is available.  For more information, please contact Jackie Drake at 513-766-3317.

Journey For Success:
Educational Seminars to Strengthen Lives

Are you looking for a speaker for your moms’ or dads’ group, PTO, organization meeting, or employee seminar?  

Or do you have 10 friends and neighbors who are interested in a special session in your neighborhood? 

Our classes are ready to go on the road -- choose a topic, date, time and location, and we will come to you. 

Or better yet, choose a topic, date and time and bring 10 friends to the Mack Center so that you don’t have to clean your own home. 

Journey For Success brings our professionally-led classes, seminars and services directly to your home, office, or meeting.

For more information about Journey For Success,
contact Jackie Drake (513) 469-1188, ext. 3317 or jdrake@jfscinti.org

Here is a sample of topics:

Mack on the Road...classes in your home or office
Parenting class such as:
• Raising Safe Kids in an Unsafe World
• Freeing Your Family from Perfectionism
• Temperament & Your Child
• The 40 Essential Building Blocks Every Child Needs
• Raising MediaWise Kids
• Bullies and Victims
• Teen Dating Violence - What Parents Need to Know
• Sibling Rivalry
• Understanding Your Child’s Behavior 

Aging Family Issues
• The Positive Side of Caregiving
• You’re Not Getting Older, Your Getting Better
• Adult Sibling Rivalry - Getting Over It
• Resources to Help your Aging Parents

Solving Life Challenges
• Learn the Signs of Hidden Eating Disorders
• When Depression is More than the Blues
• Remove the Mask of Drug, Sexual, or Alcohol Abuse
• Balancing Work and Family
• Blending Chronic Pain and Illness into a Normal Life
• Stress Management
• Teen Pregnancy (Pregnant? Don’t Panic)
• Adoption Issues

Divorce - Life Transition
• The Trauma of Current World Events

Getting to know the Mack leaders:

Jackie Drake, MSW, LISW
Jackie Drake has joined the staff of Family Life Education and the Alan R. Mack Center as Education Coordinator.  She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 25 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings.  Jackie was previously a Parent Enrichment Coordinator and Family Life Educator for Beech Acres.  In addition to leading parenting classes, Jackie is facilitating a step-parenting group and new educational support groups for children