International Adoption Center
Post Adoption Parenting Workshops

INTRODUCTION:
The mission of the International Adoption Center's Post Adoption Parenting worshops is to address some of the issue that many of our families have been asking about AFTER they get home. We have tried to develop these workshps to tackle some of your biggest concerns. We have gathered a group of local experts who will discuss each topic with real life examples and up to date information. Each workshop format will be different depending on the topic and the speaker but will all include ample time for class participation and discussion.

The workshops listed below are the initial ones based on the reponses from parents recently surveyed. These topics will be updated, with additional topics presented as the need arises. So let us know if you would like to see other topics.

The classes will be held on the days listed in the evenings at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the International Adoption Center, 8505 Arlington Blvd. Suite 100.

Classes cost $25 per person
Pre-Registration Is Required as space is limited.

Workshops must have a minimum of 10 participants to be held.

Worshop Offerings:

February 18, 2008, 7 pm to 9 pm (EST) Adoption Through the Eyes of Children:
What your children may be thinking about but find it difficult to communicate! Presented by Debbie Riley, MS.

Participants learn what children understand about adoption at different developmental stages, and what to share with their children at different ages, including information that parents perceive to be difficult, negative, or painful. Practical advice is offered to help parents anticipate their children's questions and concerns, and learn effective, appropriate ways of responding.

Ms. Riley is the Executive Director of the Center for Adoption Support and Education.

March 17, 2008, 7 pm to 9 pm (EST) A Window Into Your Heart: Strengthening Your Child's Social and Emotional Development.

Presented by Anne Fleury, MSW and Mari Itzkokwitz, MSW

Participants will learn social and emotional milestone development for children; ways parents can enhance their child's development by strengthening attachments, demystifying temperament and encouraging natural talents and positive social interactions. The instructors will use real-life family examples to augment the workshop.

Presented by: Anne Fleury, MSW, a licensed clinical social work in private practice and Mari Itzkokwitz, MSW, a licensed social worker with the Center for Adoption Support and Education.Date of Presentation:

April 30 , 2008, 7 pm to 9 pm (EST) Potty Training: A Stress-Free, 3-Day Program
Presented by: Maria Zimmetti, Ph.D.

Participants will learn how to assess when their child is ready for potty training and gain practical advice on how to make toilet training a positive, bonding experience for both parent and child. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn strategies to address their child's unique developmental needs.

Dr. Zimmetti is the President and Clinical Director of Maria Zimmetti, Ph.D & Associates and is a licensed psychologist.

May 19 , 2008 7 pm to 9 pm (EST) Attachment: What is it and how it affects your family
Presented by: Susan Alvarado, LPC, PLLC and Marianne Heilferty, LCSW.

Participants will learn about ways to facilitate attachment to their children. Practical suggestions and techniques to avoid will be discussed. Participants will be given time to ask questions.

Presented by: Susan Alvarado, LPC, PLLC and Marianne Heilferty, LCSW

REGISTRATION:

The class is limited to 40 people. Preregistration is required. To Register please call (703) 970-2651 or complete the registration and email or fax to our office.

Cost
$ 25 per person $35 per couple

Payment must be received at or before the first class. Cancellations must be made one week in advance for a refund. Childcare is not available on-site.

All classes will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.