Children First Parenting Education

If you have children under the age of 18, you must enroll in the Children First Parenting Education Program before a divorce or separation will be granted by the Third Judicial Circuit Courts (Local Rule 2.03). That is, a divorce or separation judgment will not be entered until you enroll in and attend both sessions of the Children First Parenting Education Program. A certificate will be presented to you at the end showing proof of completion.

The goals of the Children First Parenting Education Program are to increase participants’ awareness of divorce on children’s feelings and behaviors, and increase participants’ knowledge in how to assist the children in coping and adjusting. Attending the four hour class meets the court mandated parenting education requirement for divorcing parents in Illinois, 750 ILCS 5/404.1.

How to Enroll

To register for both sessions of the Children First Parenting Education program, call (618) 251-6214 between 9am and noon, Monday through Friday. If you call at another time you may get an answering service. If you do, please leave a message. Mention that you need to register for the Children First class. You will be called the next business day.

You can also register by email at erinr@children1stfoundation.org.

Parents scheduled for the Children’s First Parenting classes will receive a reminder phone call the day before his or her first class.

Schedule

Monday evenings: 6-8 pm Session I
Tuesday evenings: 6-8 pm Session II
First Friday of every month: 9 am - 1 pm Session I and Session II

Location

Manley Auditorium - located in the former Wood River Hospital, back of the building between the 911 office and the Morgue. Please do not attempt to go into the Kids' Corner Office as the outside doors will be locked.
101 East Edwardsville Road
Wood River, Illinois 62095
map
618-251-6214

Cost

The price for the four-hour class is $60. The cash payment is due at the first session (Monday) before class. Checks are not accepted. Waivers by the Court are accepted for individuals whose income qualifies them for a fee exception. The waivers must be presented at the first session (Monday) by the participant.