First 5 Calaveras serves as the lead agency for “Strengthening Calaveras Families” which consists of First 5 Calaveras, Prevent Child Abuse Calaveras, and programs funded under the Behavioral Health Services: Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63)
Parent Education Seminars & Workshops
Various topics to support parents and guardians in raising children of all ages. Offered in locations across the county and throughout the year.
All Strengthening Families Parent Seminars and Workshops are available to Calaveras families with children from birth through 17 years old.
Child care may be provided for children ages 3-12, dependent upon space availability. Head Start Teachers provide quality on-site child care which complements the focus of the parent workshops. Nutritious snack is provided.
JOIN OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY!
Call 1-888-787-3654 to enroll in no-cost trainings or Register Online
UPCOMING PARENT EDUCATION CLASSES:
Jueves, 8,15 y 22 de Agosto del 2019, Serie de Tres Partes: 
“Entendiendo Enfermedades Mentales”, Facilitadores: Eugene Alliende, LMFT & Ana Ruth, Proveedor de Apoyo BHS; Escuela Elemental de Valley Springs
Tuesday, August 27, 2019, “Copper Parent Cafe", Facilitated by Maggie Rollings; Lake Tulloch Bible Church, Copperopolis
Thursdays, August 29, September 5 & 12, 2019, 3 Part Series: “Helping Ourselves, Helping our Children”, Facilitated by Christine Bitler, LCSW; West Point Elementary School
Tuesday, September 10, 2019, “Copper Parent Cafe", Facilitated by Maggie Rollings; Lake Tulloch Bible Church, Copperopolis
Wednesdays, September 11, 18, & 25, 2019, 3 Part Series: “Co-Parenting”, Facilitated by: Christine Bitler, LCSW; San Andreas Elementary
Tuesdays, September 17 & 24, 2019, 2 Part Series: “Introduction to Mindfulness”, Facilitated by: Sally Arnold, RN, BSN, MA, Certified Mindfulness Instructor; Lake Tulloch Bible Church, Copperopolis
Wednesday, October 2, 2019, “Blow Away Blow-Outs", Facilitated by Karen Pekarcik, LCSW; Calaveras County Office of Education, Angels Camp
Wednesday, October 23, 2019, “Promoting Strong Sibling Relationships for Children with Special Needs", Facilitated by Karen Pekarcik, LCSW; Valley Springs Elementary School
Tuesdays, November 5, 12, & 19, 2019, 3 Part Series: “Mindful Parenting”, Facilitated by: Sally Arnold, RN, BSN, MA, Certified Mindfulness Instructor; San Andreas Elementary School
** Please see our Event Calendar for more events and flyers **
Foster Care Training Incentive Program
Stipend Program for Foster Parents and Kinship Providers to participate in local trainings
Training for Professionals
Provided for Early Childhood Educators, Teachers, Supervisors, Therapists, Social Workers and other community professionals.
MINDFUL SCHOOLS: In 2015, First 5 Calaveras in Partnership with Calaveras Unified School District piloted The Mindful School Program for educators and students at West Point Elementary School. The purpose was to offer a neuroscience research based approach to support teacher and student wellness. In partnership with “Mindful Schools” in Oakland, CA educators completed two 6 week online courses that supported a personal practice followed by a curriculum course for implementation in the classroom. To date, Mokelumne Hill Elementary, Copperopolis and Mark Twain Elementary (lower grades) are implementing the practice at their respective schools/grades.
Watch and hear from elementary school students learning to use mindfulness to navigate complex feelings in this short video from Mindful Schools: JUST BREATHE
ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences): In 2018, First 5 Calaveras in Partnership with Calaveras County Office of Education and Calaveras Trauma Consortia held "Building A Trauma Sensitive School Community" Workshop with Steve Graner, NME Project Director from The ChildTrauma Academy. The Neurosequential Model in Education was developed by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and the ChildTrauma Academy to educate school staff about developmental trauma and how to apply that knowledge in interactions with children whose development has been compromised by adverse childhood experience. Workshop Materials: Presentation Study Guide