Programs

Parenting Way offers a variety of programs and services to families, parents, grandparents, caregivers and their children and youth ages 0 to 17.

The Parenting Way™ Parent Education Classes – a 10 week class curriculum. The format is ongoing and meets the needs of families and individuals in diverse populations –situational, level of concern and capability. Parent Education classes offer an opportunity to work with families over an extended period of time, and where we may identify past traumas using the ACEs Research Study that identifies factors affecting health and stability. The Parenting Course consists of ten weekly classes. They are on-going and participants may begin at any time (with space availability). There are two class times per week – daytime and evening – to accommodate participants work and child care scheduling needs. Class content is aligned, but participants remain in their chosen day and time. Child care is not offered for the Parenting Class; however participants are given resource options if needed.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Darkness to Light Stewards of Children® Training and Presentations
Brings experts and community members together to recognize Child Sexual Abuse indicators before abuse occurs and emphasizes the importance of learning and working together to promote change. Most important is the programs ability to train parents in how to listen, observe and take action before a child is sexually abused. Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed prevention solution that increases knowledge, improves attitudes, and changes child protective behaviors. The Stewards of Children program uses real people and real stories to show us how to protect children. Training and information is delivered by “meeting” survivors who lived through child sexual abuse, experienced it’s immediate and long-term effects, and ultimately were able to find healing. Through training presentations, participants learn about experts who work with children and families, and confront abuse on a daily basis. Many of these survivors and experts are also parents, themselves.

Advocacy and Awareness

Children in Between – a four hour class using Putting Children First, Proven Parenting Strategies for Helping Children Thrive Through Divorce.

Parenting Way, Inc. is located in West Des Moines, IA , is handicapped accessible, easily negotiated, with adequate parking. Classes are staffed by trained facilitators who have education and/or backgrounds in family support and family systems. All programs include oversight by management staff and complete all necessary legal documentation for Court proceedings. Pre and post tests are administered for Outcome and Evaluation purposes and to measure level of learning attainment. Cost for classes is $100.00 for all ten. If you pay for all ten classes in advance, the fee will be discounted to $75.00. If you do not pay in advance, but attend all ten classes, the last class fee will be waived. Complete confidentiality is maintained throughout programming.

Letter for referring entities regarding setting up services at Parenting Way

Please use this form if you have clients and families you want to refer for parenting classes and other services.

Updated August, 2014

Programs recognized by the Iowa Fifth Judicial District

Locations

Parenting Way Classes are held on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the United Church of Christ, 3530 70th Street, Room 203, Urbandale, IA 50322.

Family Support Groups are held on Monday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311. The Adult program is led by Wendy Ryan. The Youth and Children program is led by Kelly McKinney.

Other programs are held as scheduled.