The classes are a result of collaboration of Stanislaus County Health Services Agency's R.E.A.L. Project and HIV/AIDS programs, the Patterson Unified School District's Smart Moves Program, the Haven Women's Center, and Modesto Junior College's Kincare program.

The classes will cover positive discipline, parenting skills, talking with kids about sexuality, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and date rape. "We wanted to cover as many issues as possible that parents face," said Laura Tarlo of the R.E.A.L Project.

We're trying to touch on a broad range of subjects, to give parents role playing, hands-on activities."

Mary Lou Hacker, an instructor at MJC, came up with the comprehensive curriculum, in Spanish. The classes will not be taught in English. Four instructors will teach the parenting classes. One will come from the county's HIV/AIDS program, one from MJC, one from Haven Women's Center, and one from the R.E.A.L. project.

WILL RUN IN FEBRUARY

The classes will be held in the PHS cafeteria starting February 1 and running each Tuesday through the end of the month. The classes will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. "I know it's going to be a great workshop," noted Tarlo. "it's a significant but worthwhile commitment."

The idea for the classes came when the coordinators of the R.E.A.L Project, a teen pregnancy prevention program, began talking with officials from MJC'S Kincare program.

The class is free, and includes free educational materials, a light dinner, and childcare for children over age 4. Prize drawings will also be held for participants.

"The Patterson Unified School District is supporting us, giving us a place, and providing childcare, which is really nice," Tarlo said. The coordinators would like to see 20 to 30 people registered.

Registration is required by Monday, January 24. To register, call PHS at 892-7450.

Reprinted by permission of The Patterson Irrigator