For centuries, parents felt they were doing good job if they managed to raise their children to adulthood.  Today we have more stressors, challenges and obstacles in our quest to raise our children. 

Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP Program) is especially for parents who need simple strategies to meet the needs of both their typically developing children as well as their children with special needs.  The objective is to help parents gain parenting skills, understand their children’s behavior and build self-esteem, communication and healthy family relationships.

Topics that will be covered in this training include: how a child’s personality, social skills, belief systems and lifestyle develop as the child grows from baby to child to adolescent.   We will discuss behavior/misbehavior-what it is and what it is not.  We will cover how to recognize the purpose of a child’s behavior and deal with it.  We will talk about natural and logical consequences, rewards and punishments and the pros and cons.  We will learn ways to handle crying, temper tantrums, toilet training, lying, jealousy, and inappropriate public behavior.

Step by Step also has a monthly topical Parent Group.  Monthly topics include advocacy, transition issues, parent resources, and handling play dates.

Child care is available upon request and reservation.

Beginning April 27th Step by Step will be offering a 9 week Infant/toddler Stay and Play class for families who are concerned about their baby’s development and either may not be eligible or may be waiting for services to begin.  This service will be provided at a very low cost to the families. ($ 10 dollars for a 1 ½   hours)  This program will be partially underwritten through generous donations made to TIPS Tools for Intervention and Practical Strategies, a nonprofit organization that supports activities for people who live, play, and work with or have a developmental disability.

                Classes will be offered for infants, 9-15 months and toddlers 15-24 month. The classes will be offered Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.  More classes will open as necessary.  This is a stay and play group.  Mommies, Daddies, or caregivers will participate in a developmental play group facilitated by an early interventionist and an intervention assistant. Other therapists will be invited guests including a speech therapist, occupational therapist and a physical therapist.

Parents and caregivers or providers are invited to join a live forum for discussion on Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00 with Shelley P. Cox MA and Founder/director of Step by Step. For information on how to participate contact Shelley at Shelleypcox@gmail.com