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"Parenting Communities helped prioritize family issues." -- Leelanau county parent

Home Visits

Home visits are offered by Parenting Communities to any family residing in the school district and on a schedule that best fits the family. Home visits are structured to support the family in achieving whatever goals they set. Often curiosity about child development is the basis for the visits and the Parents As Teachers curriculum provides a structure for these visits.

In other situations, parents may seek to address very specific family goals and an Individualized Family Plan may provide the structure for the visits. Some families may choose to enroll in the Parenting Communities Early Head Start program. Early Head Start supports weekly visits and provides a structure that addresses many domains of family making. Other families may choose to focus on parenting practices, in which case home visits may take the shape of conversation and reflection.

Playgroups

Playgroups are scheduled several times each week in locations that we hope are convenient and interesting to parents and their young children.

Each playgroup is organized around a theme that is relevant to young children...Paint and Playdough, Storytime, Music and Movement, Kindergym...and designed to provide children and parents with opportunities to meet and play with others. It is our hope that parents build relationships that will sustain them and help them reflect upon their own parenting and family. Playgroups last 1-2 hours, and are commonly co-led by a Parenting Communities coordinator and a parent.

Parent Education

Parent Education evenings  - "Parents Together" - are scheduled monthly in at least one school district in the county. Parents Together begins with a group supper, after which children and parents split up and parents gather to explore a theme-based discussion. Currently, Parents Together is studying the Tree of Life and Love.

Parent Cafés

Parent Cafés are supported by Parenting Communities but held and hosted by parents. Parent Cafés provide a structure in which parents may explore topics that relate to parenting and family making in a safe setting.  Parent Cafés are also places in which parents grow important relationships.

Developmental Assessments

Developmental Assessments are offered to any child enrolled in Parenting Communities programs. A variety of assessment and screening tools are available. The Parenting Communities staff will help parents sort through the tools to determine which will best help them understand the development of their child. Pre-kindergarten and/or preschool screenings are also available upon request.

Community Resource Connections

Community Resource Connections can be found via Parenting Communities. Many families with young children can use some help. Parenting Communities staff are available to help families prioritize their goals, assess their needs, and seek assistance when needed.

Newsletter & Parent Lending Library

A Parenting Communities newsletter and parent lending libraries help families access information about parenting, child development and family making.

CARES

Leelanau Children's Center and Parenting Communities participates in the regional CARES project. CARES is an effort to make typical child development information easily accessible to parents and community members. CARES provides a developmental continuum and a suggested toys guide. LCC stocks a toy library to assist parents in supporting their child’s development.

Leelanau Baby Pantry

Leelanau Baby Pantry is a wonderful recycling station for supplies and equipment that support young families. The Baby Pantry is sponsored by the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Suttons Bay. At the Baby Pantry, one will find a kind soul to chat with, clothing, resources and supplies. It is our hope that parents who frequent the Baby Pantry will develop friendships, find support, and perhaps return as a volunteer.

Baby Pantry Hours:

• Monthly on the First and Third Mondays from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
• Monthly on the Second and Fourth Mondays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Leelanau Laundry Project

Leelanau Laundry Project offers families a place to do laundry at no cost, visit with other parents, and access community resources. The Laundry Project is available twice monthly during the school year. It is located at the Suttons Bay Laundromat.

Laundry Project Hours:

• Monthly on the First and Third Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:45 am.