WHO WE ARE

HISTORY & DESCRIPTION

 

Parents Place was founded in 1976 by professionals in the fields of social work and early childhood education. The founders wanted to create a parent/child center where families with very young children could come together to socialize, share experiences, and discuss their concerns with a professional staff that specializes in the issues of parenting young children. They also wanted a program where children, without having to separate from their parent, could have opportunities for group learning and socialization before entering school.

The Center uses a "drop-in" model, with no prior registration required. There is no fee for services, but a voluntary donation is requested at each session. Many programs are mixed-aged (see Programs and Schedules) so that families can attend with all of their preschool-age children.

At drop-in programs, a professional staff of masters degree level social workers, early childhood teachers, and a special education teacher work with parents and children, together.

In addition to parent/child drop-in programs, Parents Place offers a weekly, evening, parent-only support group for families of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (see For Parents of Children with ASD), as well as 2 "Family Days" at the Drop-In Center each year for parents, their children with ASD and their typically developing siblings.

Parents Place welcomes all families regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.