In response to a community identified need for parenting classes to be held on a consistent, year round basis a group of community agencies have come together to form the Modern Parenting Initiative or MPI. Deb Andres, Geary County Extension Agent, said the partner agencies have been meeting since early March, and have announced that the first session of parenting classes will begin on Tuesday, Aug.26.

MPI Parenting Classes will be held once a week ( Tuesday nights ) for six weeks from 6 p.m. to 8.p.m., at the Devin Center, and are open to everyone.

Each class session will focus on a different topic including: self care, understanding, guidance, nurturing, motivating, and advocating. The MPI parenting classes are targeted to parents of toddlers, school age children, and teens. Registration for the Aug. 26 session will close on Thursday, Aug. 21. The next six week session will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the same time and location.

The cost for an individual is $10 per session or $60 for all six sessions; $15 per session or $90 for all six sessions for an individual and a support person. Registration is through the Geary County K-State Research and Extension Office at 785-238-4161.

The Modern Parenting Initiative Partner Agencies include: Geary County Infant Toddler Services, Geary County Perinatal Coaliation, Geary County K-State research and Extension, Kansas Department of Children and Families, 8th Judicial Community Corrections, Pawnee Mental Health and Saint Francis Community Services.