EQUIP: Parenting Education & Children’s Classes

The first few years of a child’s life are the most critical and form the foundation upon which all later learning, behavior and health depend. From birth to three years old, more than 1 million new neural connections are formed every second. These are the connections that build brain architecture and social/emotional functions. That is why it is important for everyone – parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors – to help kids develop and start on a path to success.

Aspire offers parenting education focused on pregnancy through the first few years of a child’s life. In addition, we provide childbirth education classes, positive parenting classes, parent/toddler enrichment classes, relationship classes, and financial classes. Aspire EQUIP programs seek to empower relationships between parents and children so that caregivers are knowledgeable, responsive and interact effectively with and on behalf of children.  This program is for both men and women.  This is an incentive-based program, so clients “earn” boutique bucks while they learn about pre and post-natal care, positive life choices, discipline/parenting techniques, and practical life skills.  Then they can spend their boutique bucks to buy things in our boutique such as diapers, wipes, baby clothing up to size 2T, equipment and other supplies. Here are just some of our parenting programs:

• BrightCourse digital and in-person classes on a full range of topics from prenatal care to toddlers, milestones, relationships, life choices, finances, discipline, and more. These can be delivered in person with a coach, online via text/Email or in a group setting. Email Nicole at clients@aspirepagosa.org if you would like to sign up. All classes are free. VIEW CLASS LIST
• Positive Parenting Program – 8 classes with specific instruction on how to bring out the best in your child from baby to three years old. Strategies on understanding behavior, mindfulness and support. Our next class starts on March 5, 2024 at 5:30pm – earn $20 City Market gift card per person per class!
• Parenting NOW (Incredible Infants, Wonderful Ones and Terrific Twos) – Learn about milestones, meet other parents with similar aged kids, learn insight into your child, and effective parenting skills. Incredible Infants Class on Mondays at 2:00pm 
• Mommy & Me Classes – 1st & 3rd Mondays at 11:00 am – Help your child learn about science, math, social/emotional skills, and reading all through engaging activities and play!
• Coffee & Kiddos Playgroup: Every Monday at 10:00AM come hang out with other Moms and let your kids play! Parents with toddlers can enjoy the indoor playground at Pagosa Play Place and parents of infants can come to Aspire. Feel free to attend either one!
• Problem Solvers Math Readiness Parent/Tot Class: Tuesdays at 1:30pm. Our Problem Solvers class features engaging games, stories and songs designed to promote early problem solving and bonding. This parent/toddler class features play based activities designed to introduce math concepts that have positive impacts on children’s math skills and improve school readiness. Contact Anette at education@aspirepagosa.org to sign up!
• Mentoring/Social Connection with one of our coaches
• Men’s Classes on the Role of a Father, Authentic Manhood, and Practical Fatherhood to encourage men to be an active and supportive father to their kids regardless of relationship status with the mother of their child
• Co-Parenting and Step-parenting Curriculum

FREE COUNSELING SERVICES

Thanks to the Early Milestones Grant and Rocky Mountain Health Foundation Grants, we are able to offer free counseling to parents of young children as well. Please call 970-264-5963 for more details.

For Family Resources, information on child care, child development, health facilities, and community resources, please visit the Early Childhood Council of Archuleta County.