January 22, 2009

NEWS BRIEFS

AVCS to hold parenting classes

Almaden Valley Counseling Service is accepting registration for its winter session of Positive Parenting classes, which begin the week of Jan. 26.

The popular STEP Positive Parenting classes are based on the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) model and are designed to help parents meet the challenges of raising their children.

Participants learn to:

- build self-esteem and responsibility
- encourage cooperation and problem solving
- Implement discipline vs. punishment
- Resolve conflicts

The classes are held one night a week for seven weeks, from 7:15 – 9:15 p.m. The schedule is: School age – Monday nights, starting Jan. 26; Teenage - Wednesday nights, starting Jan. 28; and Preschool age – Thursday nights, starting Jan. 29. Classes will not be held the week of February 16 for winter break. The fee is $110 for one parent or $165 for a couple.

If you are interested in attending this session, or would like to be added to the mailing list for future classes, call the agency at (408) 997-0200, or e-mail staff@avcounseling.org or download the class registration form from www.avcounseling.org.

MAEP offers new classes for spring

Start 2009 off right by enriching your mind and body with one of Metropolitan Adult Education Program’s (MAEP’s) new spring classes. MAEP’s Erikson Center is offering a wide variety of new classes including “Self Defense,” “CPR/First Aid & Emergency Preparedness,” “Bridge,” “Fun with Knitting,” “Income Tax 101,” “You’re Hired” and more than 300 online courses.

New health and fitness classes include “Self Defense,” where students will learn techniques and how to protect themselves in the event of an attack. Learn CPR techniques and basic first aid in MAEP’s “CPR/First Aid & Emergency Preparedness” course.

Dreading doing your income taxes? Take “Income Tax 101” taught by a professional tax expert. Laid off or looking for a new job? Take MAEP’s “You’re Hired” class to learn how to stand out from other job applicants.

Exercise your mind and learn a new hobby at the same time by learning how to play bridge or how to knit in the “Fun with Knitting” class. Both the bridge and knitting class are available in beginning and intermediate/advanced levels.

Don’t have time to come to school for a class? Try one of our more than 300 online classes. Online classes are available 24 hours a day, run for six weeks and are non-credited. For a complete list of online courses, visit www.ed2go.com/metroed.

To register for any of the classes offered at MAEP’s Erikson Center located at 4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose, call (408) 723-6450 or visit www.MetroED.net. Most classes begin in late January and March. Pre-registration is required before attending classes.

MetroED is the largest career-oriented organization in Santa Clara County comprised of high school and adult career-technical, academic and community programs, which include Central County Occupational Center (CCOC) and the Metropolitan Adult Education Program (MAEP). It annually provides more than 30,000 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income earning and taxpaying contributors to Silicon Valley.