Free parenting program in Batesville

Area residents may now enroll in the Incredible Years®, a series of free parenting programs available to anyone caring for a child between the ages of 0-6 years of age. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and foster parents are welcome.

Free childcare and meals are provided during the program.

The program, which meets weekly for eight weeks from 10 a.m.-noon in the Batesville Memorial Public Library annex building, 10 W. Boehringer St., starts Monday, July 24.

This program offered by One Community One Family (www.onecommunityonefamily.org), 22 N. Park Ave., Batesville, will share knowledge of essential skills to raise children who are socially, emotionally and academically competent. The news release says, "This is not a parenting class that tells you how to raise your child. It is a time to learn and share parenting tips and tricks to help build a strong family."

Available programs are baby, prenatal-8 months; toddler, 9 months-3 years; and preschool, 3-6 years.

Benefits of participation:

You get to meet other caregivers in your community.

You will learn to strengthen your family and increase your confidence as a parent by adding more "tools" to your parenting toolbox.

You get to have some fun, destress and relax.

You will receive free items throughout the program's course that tie into the topic being discussed each week.

Foster parent hours can be earned for attending the program.

Enrolling is easy. Persons may call toll-free 877-967-6263 or 812-532-3441; email rkichler@onecommunityonefamily.org; or Facebook message organizers (Incredible Years ? Southern Indiana). The Facebook page also lists additional groups and programs available.