Parent-Child Services

EOTC promotes child development and strengthens families through early child screenings, pre-kindergarten activities, parenting classes and intervention for families at risk for child abuse or neglect.
For information, contact the EOTC Scranton Area Family Center at 348-6493.

Dads Group

Group sessions help men become better fathers to help their children succeed in school, avoid drugs and crime, develop higher self-esteem and healthier relationships. Topics include child development, effective family communication and responsibilities of fatherhood.

Parents As Teachers

Parents as Teachers is the flagship curriculum for Pennsylvania Family Centers. The program recognizes parents as the first and best teachers of their children. Families with children ages prenatal to five receive bi-monthly home visits that include guided parent-child activities, healthy development screenings, and information/referral. EOTC recently increased the number of local families receiving this service thanks to federal stimulus funding for Early Head Start. To learn more, visit www.parentsasteachers.org.

Incredible Years

One of the biggest challenges facing parents these days is how to help their children handle strong emotions, particularly negative ones like frustration and anger. The Incredible Years parenting series helps adults foster a child’s confidence, problem solving abilities and learning skills.

Parents/caretakers of children ages 3-12 are invited to register by calling 348-6493. Classes are free; childcare and light meal provided. To learn more about this national Blueprint curriculum, visit www.incredibleyears.com. EOTC’s program is made possible by federal stimulus funding granted by the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency.

Toddler Playgroup and Lending Library

The weekly Parent-Child Play & Learn Group encourages socialization and experiential learning through play. This program is designed for children under three and their parents or caregivers. Group sessions allow parents to share experiences and to gain insights into child rearing. Health and development screenings are conducted periodically. The program is funded entirely by local donors to the Helping Our Children At Risk initiative.

EOTC offers a Toys and Book lending library for participants in its Family Center programs. Parenting resources and individual consultations are also available.

Children’s Trust Fund

Through a grant from the Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund, EOTC is expanding its research-based Parents as Teachers program to assist teen and young adult parents. The goal of the program is to improve parents’ understanding of child development and to promote positive parenting. The program is presented in home and classroom settings.

Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance

The EOTC Scranton Area Family Center is affiliated with PA Family Support Alliance, Pennsylvania’s leading provider of training on how to recognize and report child abuse and neglect.

EOTC works with other state and local organizations to promote the safety and well-being of children through research-based prevention and education models. Cost-benefit analyses by the Penn State Prevention Research Center and others reflect that, for every $1.00 spent on high-quality programs, taxpayers receive savings related to child health, education, substance abuse and crime. Penn State researchers found an estimated average return of up to $12 million per community for a single program funded by Pennsylvania taxpayers – from $54 to nearly $80,000 per youth over time.

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