Extension Training for Child Care Providers and Parents Begin in Springfield Starting Sept. 7 at Botanical Center

Contact: Dr. Jim Wirth, human development specialist

Tel: (417) 881-8909

E-mail: wirthj@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- University of Missouri Extension in Greene County is offering a series of four workshops on five topics for clock hours of training for child care and foster care providers starting Sept. 7.

All sessions will be presented by University of Missouri Extension and will be held at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.

This series of focused classes is geared toward childcare providers, day care owners, Head Start and foster parents as well as parents and those interested in youth according to Dr. Jim Wirth, human development specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

The first session is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 7, will be presented by Joe DeVries, an early childhood specialist. “The Nurtured Heart” will teach attendees how to energize positive behaviors and reduce negative behaviors through focused attention.

The second session is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 28. The topic is "Sexuality & Children: What is Normal" by Mitzi Huffman, a Family Nurse Practitioner and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

The third session of classes will be held 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 12. Dr. Jim Wirth, a human development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, will present two 90-minute programs: "Making Secure Attachments" and "Creating Special Moments with Infants and Toddlers.”

The fourth and final session the fall childcare series will be from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 19. "Meth + Children = Danger" will be taught by Mitzi Huffman, a Family Nurse Practitioner and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

A registration fee of $15 will be charged for each workshop regardless of length. To register, contact the Greene County University of Missouri Extension office at (417) 881-8909 or use the registration form that can be found online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.