2008 Family Education Classes



Washington
Alaska class information
If you live within 70 miles of WACAP's Renton headquarters, you must attend four Family Education classes before your adoption is finalized. You may attend either free presentations or paid workshops. They're held at the WACAP office, 315 S. Second St., Renton, except as noted. And watch for some classes to be presented interactively online! Pre-registration is required.

If you are planning a second adoption through WACAP, four Family Education classes can be substituted for WACAP Weekend.

Some Saturday workshops carry a fee of $20 per couple/$10 for singles, payable at pre-registration or on the day of the workshop. All weekday events are free. To pre-register for any class, call WACAP at 206-575-4550.
2008 Family Education Schedule

May
Waiting Parents Strategy Swap Meet
Tuesday, May 6, 7–8:30 p.m.
CANCELED

Moving Beyond Stereotypes
Friday, May 9, 6–8 p.m.
As a Caucasian parent, do you recognize the challenges of growing up African American or Ethiopian in a Caucasian world? Help your child learn strategies for dealing with stereotyping and self image. Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or Recommended books

Don’t Drop the Baby
Saturday, May 17, 9–11:30 a.m.
Basic infant care geared to adoptive parents; suitable for parents of newborns to 18-month-olds. ($10 per person.) Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or


June
Grandparenting with a Plus
Saturday, June 14, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
All adoptive grandparents are invited to hear a panel of grandparents who have traveled to meet their new grandchild, get tips on being a conspicuous grandparent ("is she your grandchild?") and learn how your new family member attaches to parents and of course, to you! Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or

Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child
Saturday, June 28: 9–11:30 a.m.
Child psychologist and adoptive parent Patty Cogen presents a variety of strategies and solutions to address common questions and concerns of adoptive parents. ($10 per person.) Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or


July
Skin and Hair Care
Sunday, July 20, 1–4 p.m.
Learn all about your African-American child’s skin and hair care needs from two experts who will include demonstrations on a child and product sampling. This class is for adults only. ($15 per person.) Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or

August
Enjoy the summer!

September
Openness in African-American Adoptions
Friday, September 12, 6–8 p.m.
Learn how open adoption works, and its benefits and challenges. Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or Recommended books

October
Going Beyond Injera and Dim Sum
Monday, October 13, 7–8:30 p.m.
Honoring your child’s heritage—you know you should, but how? Both general and country-specific ideas will be shared. Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or Recommended books

Goodnight Moon
Saturday, October 25, 9–10:30 a.m.
Learn how to encourage good sleep patterns for your child so both you and the moon can get some sleep. Presented by a UW child development specialist and adoptive parent ($10 per person.) Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or


November
A Sort of Life
Wednesday, November 19, 7–9 p.m.
The effects of foster care or institutional care on a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development. Both general and country-specific information will be presented. Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or

December
Life’s Longest Bond
Wednesday, December 10, 7–8:30 p.m.
Discuss how adopting a sibling for your child is the same as and different from adding a sibling by birth. Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or Recommended books

Kwanzaa
Friday, December 12, 6–8 p.m.
Celebrate this festival’s values of unity, family and community along with a great potluck dinner. Children welcome. Please RSVP to 206-575-4550 or


AAI Social Nights
Share a pizza with other families who have adopted African-American children. All gatherings are Friday, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at our Renton office. Donations are accepted. Please RSVP to our Renton office at 206-575-4550 or

April 4
June 6
June: picnic (time and place to be announced)
August 8
November 21