Parents, caregivers and their children gathered for the third session of the fall Parent Academy program, this time held at the Greater Fall River Children's Museum on November 17, 2016. The program focused on early childhood and featured four classes: 1) "Brain Building in Progress", 2) "Bouncing Back", 3) "You're Not My Friend," and 4) "Not Talking Yet? Not to Worry, Talk Together." The evening began with free pizza, and then, while parents went to the four classes, the children got to play downstairs in several of the Museum's playrooms. "I think the parents really appreciated the chance to focus on the particular needs of their children," stated project coordinator Barbara Allard, "The small classes gave each parent the chance to address their unique concerns," she added. The Parent Academy will resume in January with another series of three sessions covering a variety of topics of interest to parents and other caregivers. For more information about the project, contact Barbara Allard at 508-675-8367.  

(Top row) Parents sign in for the evening's classes with coordinator Barbara Allard. (Row two) Rebekah and her daughter, and Aaliyah and her daughter enjoy the pizza before starting class. (Row three, left and center) Dr. Jeanne Paccia of the Fernandes Center for Children and Families at Saint Anne's Hospital talks about raising resilient children in "Bouncing Back". (Row three, right) Parents meet to discuss "You're Not My Friend" with Michele Dunse. (Row four) Jodi Kulnitch, Jean Lider and Betsy McKinnon lead a group on "Not Talking Yet? Not to Worry, Talk Together" (Bottom row) As a group led by Children's Museum's Director, Jo-Anne Sbrega, views a video in "Brain Building in Progress", children enjoy the chance to play downstairs.