Children's Center

Two hour educational sessions focus on topics requested by families by area experts. See below for the Children's Center's currently scheduled parent trainings.

Tuesday, February 28th

Tantrums and the stress that accompany them are at times overwhelming. Parenting a child naturally comes with tantrums and emotional explosiveness that can overwhelm the best of us. This workshop talks about the various reasons behind many of the big blow-ups and practical ways to manage these situations. Whether it occurs in the home, grocery store, school, or much anticipated birthday party there are ways to understand    the cycle of escalation to maximize your success with your child.

Why Won’t Johnny B. Goode at Home?

Janet Avery, Education Trainer, Maine Parent Federation                          

Tuesday March 6th

All children misbehave, but for some children that behavior is more frequent, intense and challenging. During this workshop parents will gain an understanding of some causes of challenging behaviors. Approaches that can be made at home that work for the whole family, not just for the child will also be covered. Strategies that can impact in positive ways on a child’s behavior will be discussed, and parents will learn some simple ways to take care of themselves.

Nutrition: The Importance of Healthy Eating for Families and Children

Susan Pelletier, Nutrition Consultant, University of Me. Cooperative Extension    

Tuesday, April 3rd

Managing your home and preparing meals on a fixed income and busy schedule is at times impossible. Have you ever been interested in taking a class or training on how to make a meal plan on a fixed budget?? During this training, parents and caregivers will learn how to stretch food dollars, prepare great snacks, learn cooking skills, gain knowledge of new ideas for healthy recipes, as well as learn how to keep food safe all while gaining tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

4 Step Parenting: Circle Method

Mark Rains, Child Psychologist                          

Tuesday, May 8th

Tired of 'win-lose' struggles with your children? The 4-Step Parenting Circle offers a way to connect with and guide them through (1) communicating their feelings and goals, (2) learning from their behavior choices, (3) reaching shared goals and, if necessary, (4) recycling through the circle for expressing their feelings about the process. During this workshop you will get a chance to learn this method too.

Classes held at the Children’s Center

1 Alden Ave Augusta, ME 04330

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

These workshops are free for parents! Dinner, childcare, and mileage reimbursement will be available.

To register, contact Samantha Thibodeau, at the Children’s Center 626-3497, ext.125

Children's Center Offers Much Needed Childcare

• We have an environment and programs that are completely geared to meet the individual needs of each young child, whatever his or her need or ability.
• Each child is treated (and valued) as a unique individual.
• All our staff members love and respect children for who they are.

The Children's Center offers a broad array of therapeutic services to children from birth through five years of age with developmental, physical, and emotional diagnoses. Therapies are available between the hours of 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. at 1 Alden Avenue in Augusta. Transportation is available for eligible children through the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program.

Targeted Case Management is available for children from the age of birth through five years of age who have a developmental or mental health diagnosis (or who are at-risk for developing such diagnoses). 

Parents and caregivers are the primary influence in the development of young children. Because of this, it is our goal at the Children’s Center to help parents and caregivers understand specific disorders and how they impact their child’s behavior, and to teach new skills to manage life with a child who needs extra support. The expert speakers offer new strategies for parents struggling with their child’s unique needs that allow parents and caregivers to gain confidence in their parenting ability. Knowledgeable and confident parents create healthy and safe environments for children.