Forest Lake Area Schools Community Education

The Behavior Assistance Technical Support Team (BATS) is a voluntary program offered to childcare and early learning centers who are looking for behavioral support for students that are struggling. A trained parent educator will visit your location to promote early learning, knowledge and understanding of important developmental milestones. Early intervention for identified concerns helps improve the school experience for young children. Please call (651) 982-8300 to schedule a BATS visit.

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a voluntary parent education program offered to families who are expecting a child or have children under the age of kindergarten entry. PAT helps to establish positive partnerships between home, school and the community and plays a vital role in supporting families and children from the very beginning toward school readiness. A trained parent educator provides home visits with families to promote early learning, knowledge and understanding of important developmental milestones. Periodic screenings increase parents’ understanding of their children’s developmental progress, as well as inform them of any possible delays. Early intervention for identified concerns helps improve school readiness for young children. This evidence-based early childhood program is designed to offer regularly scheduled family personal visits, annual developmental screenings, monthly group connections and access to a network of resources. These components are integral in supporting and preparing children, families, schools and communities toward school readiness. The PAT program provides opportunities to assist families with a smooth transition into preschool and kindergarten. Once your registration has been received, an early childhood teacher will contact you to schedule a session that fits your schedule. If you have any questions about Parents As Teachers, please contact Bethany Hardy at bhardy@flaschools.org or (651)982-8315.

The fall session is for birth to 12 months old; winter and spring sessions are for birth to 18 months old. Bundle up your baby and join us to spend some uninterrupted time with your young explorer in a safe and fun environment. Meet with other parents and discuss the joys and challenges of your child's first year. Your child will stay with you at all times, so bring your diaper bag, relax and take a break from your everyday routine.

Is your child ready for a preschool experience but won't be quite three by September 1? This class starts in the fall with a parent-child class and will be adding a preschool day with independent learning opportunities in January. Children must be three years old by Jan 1, 2022. Sibling Care is available on Tuesdays.

If you and your 2 year old are ready to practice spending time apart in addition to meeting new friends and participating together in fun learning activities, then this class is for you. Our staff will support both of you as you learn to separate.

The dog ran away, juice was spilled on the remote and the toilet overflowed; just a typical day of parenting. Parenting can be stressful. We understand the feeling. Have a night out and join a parent educator with other families that are experiencing stress. Learn techniques to prevent stressful events and how to handle them when they happen. Free childcare is available. Register by 10/17.

Show gratitude for your grandparents or special older friend with a delightful time of sharing. Bring your special person for an evening of crafts and other activities to celebrate the remarkable older people in our lives. Register by 11/5.

Parenting alone is not easy! As a single parent, you may miss out on pats on your back for a job well done. You don't always have a second opinion to handle difficult behaviors and you can't take a few moments break while the other parent takes over. This session offers you many opportunities for recognition, information and support. Join other single parents who really understand your situation. Your children will benefit from a variety of activities and play with others. Free childcare is available. Register by 11/14.

‘After Lights Out’ is an evening class for parents only to connect with and learn from other parents. A Parent Educator will lead discussion based on participant interests. Some possible topics may include parent-child relationships, child development and parenting during challenging times. This class is online only.

‘After Lights Out’ is an evening class for parents only to connect with and learn from other parents. A Parent Educator will lead discussion based on participant interests. Some possible topics may include parent-child relationships, child development, and parenting during challenging times. This class is online only.

Be a playful parent with us! Silly Sprouts is a mixed age class with separation. Children will play with caregivers, children and early childhood staff. Caregivers will then go to a separate space to share with each other the fabulous and frightening parts of parenting. Children will continue to learn with the early childhood professionals in the classroom.

Get ready to get messy! Come explore an assortment of art materials with your child. A variety of art mediums will be set up for you and your children to explore as we create art through play. Register by 1/7.

Children use their bodies to express themselves. Learn parenting skills to encourage hugging and decrease hitting. The class will also cover yelling to talking, refusal to follow directions and running to walking. We will talk about using visuals and expectations to encourage children and families to go from chaos to calm. Free childcare is available. Register by 1/21.