Family Education Classes
Washington Classes
If you live within 70 miles of WACAP's Renton headquarters, you must attend four Family Education classes before your adoption is finalized. Classes are either free presentations or paid workshops. They're held at our Renton office (315 S 2nd St, 98057), except as noted. We also offer several classes online. Pre-registration is required.
Some Saturday workshops carry a fee of $15 per couple or $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, email KarenD@wacap.org.
If you are adopting a child age 3 or older from any WACAP program, two of your four required classes must be the Adopting Toddlers to Teens support group. There is no charge for the support group, and you can find scheduled dates below.
For information on WACAP Weekend, please click HERE. There are additional education options for WACAP families in Oregon, Alaska, and Wisconsin. Families are also encouraged to view our list of live and pre-recorded webinar classes.
Classes held in Renton are as follows:
2012 Family Education Schedule
February
African-American/Ethiopian Skin and Hair Care
Sunday, February 26, 2012, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn all about your child’s skin and hair care needs from two experts who will demonstrate on a real kid and offer product samples. To allow for maximum attention, please don’t bring your own child. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org . $10 per person; $15 per couple.
March
Moving beyond Stereotypes
Wednesday, March 14 2012, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
As a Caucasian parent, do you recognize the challenges of growing up Asian (Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indian) in a Caucasian world? Help your child learn strategies for dealing with stereotyping and self-image. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Free.
Attaching in Adoption
Saturday, March 31,2012, 10 AM to noon
Deborah Gray, widely known therapist and author of two well known books about adoption, will share her expertise about how children and parents bond in adoption. $10 a person, $15 a couple. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org.
April
Introduction to Love and Logic
Wednesday, April, 4, 2012, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Highly recommended by parents, these techniques for managing your child’s behavior (from age 2 on up) are positive and proven, for both adopted and birth children. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. $10 per person; $15 per couple.
May
All Grown Up
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
WACAP’s always-popular panel of adult adoptees discuss growing up adopted, including racial issues, their perception of being different and the role of birth parents. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Free.
June, July and August
Enjoy the summer!
September
Grandparenting with a Plus
Saturday, September 19, 2012, 9:30 a.m. to 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! RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Free.
African-American/Ethiopian Skin and Hair Care
Sunday, September 30, 2012, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn all about your child’s skin and hair care needs from two experts who will demonstrate on a real kid and offer product samples. To allow for maximum attention, please don’t bring your own child. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org . $10 per person; $15 per couple.
October
Life’s Longest Bond
Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Discuss how adopting a sibling for your child is the same as, and different from, adding a sibling by birth. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by email to karend@wacap.org. Free.
November
A Sort of Life
Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
If you understand what it’s like to live in an orphanage, you will understand your child. Most of your child’s adjustment issues come from the effects of foster or institutional care on cognitive, emotional and social development. Don’t miss out on this important information. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Free.
December
Kwanzaa
(Date and Time TO BE ANNOUNCED)
Celebrate this festival's values of unity, family and community along with a great potluck dinner. Children welcome. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Donations accepted.
Adoption Support Groups
Adopting Toddlers to Teens: Support and Solutions Group
Meeting Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m., this free group offers supportive listening and positive tips about parenting older adopted children. You’re welcome to attend both before as well as after your child arrives home. Contact Zia Freeman at ZiaF@wacap.org for more information.
Support Group Dates for 2012:
Feb.12
March 11
April 22
May 20
June 10
July 15
Aug. 19
Sept. 16
Oct. 14
Nov. 18
Dec. 16
***For those who can't attend a support group meeting in person, don't forget to check out our online chatboard for families who have a adopted a child age 2 or older***
AAI SOCIAL NIGHTS
Share a pizza with other families who have adopted African American children. All gatherings are on Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m. at our Renton office. RSVP to our Renton office at 206-575-4550 or by email to karend@wacap.org. There is a $5.00 suggested donation (per adult).
Check back for our next scheduled event.