Playgroups

1st Tuesday AND 3rd Thursday of each month (September 5 – December 21), 9:30-10:30 am

An open interactive group for parents and their children age 0-5 using books and activity stations centered around themes. Come and play with your child while interacting with other parents in our safe and fun playroom! Explore different toys, gain ideas to try at home, make new friends, or bring friends to share in the fun. Facilitated by Parents as Teachers staff.

Diaper Bag Club

4th Wednesday of each month (September 27 – November 22), 9:30-10:30 am

This new group is for parents/caregivers and children 0-12 months. Share your joys and challenges and receive helpful input from each other and the facilitators in a safe, non-judgmental space. This group will incorporate monthly topics which may include sleep, infant massage, first foods, temperament, brain development, sensory play, and much more. Facilitated by Parents as Teachers staff and guest presenters.

Let’s Play to Learn

NEW FORMAT – all times are 9:30-10:30 am

• Thursday, September 14: Animals and Their Habitats (FOR AGES 3-4)
• Tuesday, September 26: Music, Movement, and Sensory Fun (FOR AGES 1-2)
• Monday, October 16: Music, Movement, and Sensory Fun (FOR AGES1-2)
• Friday, October 27: Ooey Gooey Icky Sticky (FOR AGES 3-4)
• Monday, October 30: Fall Stories, Singing, and Silliness with Mr. Smith (FOR AGES 0-4) – FULL
• Thursday, November 9: Chicka Chicka ABC and 123 (FOR AGES 3-4)
• Monday, November 20: Mmm, Cookies! (FOR AGES 3-4)
• Wednesday, November 29: Music, Movement, and Sensory Fun (FOR AGES 1-2) – FULL
• Friday, December 8: I’m Bored (FOR AGES 3-4)
• December – Date TBD: Cookies and Milk with Santa (FOR AGES 0-4)

Learn ways to stimulate your child’s learning and creativity through these fun, play-based workshops. Provides great bonding time as parent and child will be participating together. These workshops fill quickly so register early. Free limited childcare for children outside of specified age group.

Strategies and Tips for Managing Autism

Thursday, September 21, 6:00-7:30 pm

In addition to an introductory understanding of autism including what it is and when to get help, we will explore common intervention strategies for home, school, and therapeutic environments. These include helpful tips and tricks regarding possible school interventions, ideas for advocacy within IEPs or 504 plans, strategies to effectively navigate daily home life, and recommendations for parent coping and self-care. Facilitated by Dr. Amy Leventhal, a licensed psychologist, who has been serving children and adolescents on the autism spectrum for over 20 years. She is currently the Director of Clinical Services at Next Step Clinic where she trains clinicians and student clinicians to diagnose autism spectrum disorder and serves families in the city of Milwaukee who have a history of barriers to healthcare services for autism. Free limited childcare available.

Infant Massage

Wednesdays, October 4 – October 25, 9:30-10:30 am

Kathy Bergmann, Certified Educator of Infant Massage and former OFS staff member, will demonstrate how to perform basic infant massage stroke techniques, as well as identify the benefits of infant massage for the infant and caregiver. Kathy will share research regarding the benefits of touch in the healthy growth and development of a child. Caregivers are invited to attend with babies from birth to 10 months old. Free limited childcare is available for older siblings.

The Incredible Years

Wednesdays, October 4 – November 15, 6:00-7:30 pm

This is an evidence-based parenting program designed to help promote the social, emotional, and academic success of kids ages 2-10. Parents learn how to prevent, reduce, and treat emotional challenges in children through a positive and nurturing approach. The course introduces developmentally appropriate and consistent responses to increase children’s self-esteem, reduce conflict in the home, and promote a strong and healthy family. Facilitated by Anne Mees, OFS Family Steps Coordinator and Maribeth Penno, OFS Parent Educator. Limited free childcare available.

Anger Management

Thursday, October 5, 6:00-7:30 pm

Anger is a normal emotion but sometimes it can get in the way of a happy, healthy life. Learn where anger comes from and what to do when it seems like anger has taken control. Gain kid-friendly coping skills that you can use to help your child manage their anger including safe ways to express it. You’ll get tips that can be used at school, home, or on the go. Presenters are Jenny Strom, MA, LPC, and Dr. Melissa Nelson, both are with North Shore Center, LLC. Free limited childcare available.​

Rainbows

Every other Tuesday, October 10 – March 19, 6:30-7:30 pm

Rainbows is a program for children and adolescents (K-12) who are dealing with major family changes such as divorce or death. The 12-session program seeks to provide a “rainbow” after the storm in a child’s life. Its goals are to help participants understand and express their feelings, to build a stronger sense of self-esteem, and to direct their energy toward a healthy acceptance of the changes that have taken place. Facilitated by Laura Smith, OFS Rainbows Coordinator. Free limited childcare available.

504 and IEP Planning for Families

Thursday, October 19, 6:00-8:00 pm

An example of some of the things we will be covering:

• What’s the difference between a 504 and IEP, and how do I know which one would benefit my child the most?
• How does someone get started with the 504/IEP process? Is a neuropsych required, or what evaluations are necessary?
• What accommodations or services can even be offered with an IEP?
• What does IEP maintenance look like? How should I prepare for re-evaluations?
• What happens if my child is told “no” or that they don’t qualify?

Panelists include: Cheri Sylla, WSPEI Statewide Family Engagement Coaching Coordinator at CESA #1, Julie McGivern, School Psychologist at Kennedy Elementary School, Amanda Mack, Director of Pupil Services – Grafton School District, and multiple special education teachers from various districts in Ozaukee County. Free limited childcare available.

Parenting when your Kids Start Dating

Thursday, November 2, 6:00-7:30 pm

When children start to date, it can be a difficult and confusing time for children and their parents. Mary Knetter, Sexual Violence Victim Services Director, and Shaina Buckner, Community Sexual Assault Advocate, will lead discussions on how to set rules, expectations, and boundaries for your child’s relationships. We will also discuss steps to take to help ensure your child’s relationships are healthy and warning signs that may indicate an abusive or unhealthy relationship. Free limited childcare available.

Vaping Among Youth: Myths vs. Facts

Thursday, November 16, 6:00-7:30 pm

We will discuss the importance of monitoring adolescents’ and young adults’ substance use by highlighting E-cigarette use concerns, warning signs, protective factors, and suggestions for caregivers of adolescents and teens. Facilitated by John Fischer, LPC, a Rogers Behavioral Health therapist. Free limited childcare available.

Coping with the Winter Blues: Self-Care for Depressed Mood

Thursday, December 7, 6:00-7:30 pm

Wisconsin winters can be incredibly challenging for anyone’s mental health. Due to increased isolation, decreased activity, stressful family holidays, or just plain missing the sunshine, it’s not uncommon for mental health to take a hit. Whether you are someone who struggles with mental health year-round with symptoms worsening seasonally or just notice the blues creeping in come January, this talk aims to provide tangible takeaways to get ahead of the winter blues using evidence-based strategies for self-care. Facilitated by North Shore Center, LLC Psychotherapists Jenny Strom and Dr. Melissa Nelson. Free limited childcare available.