Parenting class to be offered in Thompson Falls

THOMPSON FALLS - The Sunburst Community Service Foundation is a nonprofit organization providing a range of services and classes in eight communities in western Montana. The organization recently received a renewal grant from the Montana Children’s Trust Fund that will allow the organization to continue to offer courses for parents.

These courses are based on Circle of Security®, an early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. The developers of the program report that “secure children exhibit increased empathy, greater self-esteem, better relationships with parents and peers, enhanced school readiness, and an increased capacity to handle emotions more effectively.”

Local Sunburst staff who are certified trainers in the Circle of Security® Parenting program are pleased to offer the eight-session course in their communities of Thompson Falls, Kalispell, Libby, Eureka, Hamilton, Polson, and St. Ignatius. The course, “Connecting with Your Kids,” is free for parents and other caregivers.  

In order to provide the most beneficial experience, there will be a maximum of ten participants per class, so registration is required. Childcare, course materials and snacks will be provided free to participants and those who successfully complete the course will receive a Circle of Security Certificate.

Services to families are primarily referral-based which had limited Sunburst’s capacity to offer this course to the general public prior to receiving the Montana Children’s Trust Fund grant last year. Sunburst’s success offering the course last year allowed the organization to receive additional funds for this year.  

“Connecting with Your Kids” is open to any interested parent or other caregiver especially those with babies and toddlers. The course in Thompson Falls will begin on the evening of Sept. 17 and run for seven weeks.  

For more information or to register, call the Sunburst parent educator, Mary Chaboya 406 396-4577.

The Sunburst Community Service Foundation began in northwest Montana in 1995 and has grown to provide family support, mental health services, arts and education to communities where it has a presence. More information about the nonprofit and its range of services can be found on its web site.