Enrollment is open for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department’s fall “Kids Need to Know” Family-Based Sexuality Education Courses.
The classes, which meet for two hours once a week for five weeks, assist parents of children in fifth, sixth and seventh grades in their efforts to be the primary sexuality educators for their children. A parent attends each class with the child.
"We prepare our kids for lots of things they will need to know in life. I can’t think of many things more important than making wise decisions about sexual activity. I also can’t think of better resources than parents,” said Sue McDaneld, Family Planning nurse practitioner at the Health Department. “Sometimes, parents need a little help to be sure their child gets accurate information, and that’s where we can help.”??Reproductive body parts and purposes, puberty, pregnancy, childbirth and sexually transmitted diseases are discussed. Decision-making skills are emphasized. Videos, games and other interactive activities help make the classes fun and interesting.??The course begins with a parents-only night, where curriculum and materials are discussed and any questions are answered.
The courses then continue with weekly parent-child sessions for four more weeks. ??The Health Department is accepting enrollment for two classes:
• Girls class — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 6 through Nov. 3, Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St., second floor meeting room.
Boys class — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 8 through Nov. 5, 7-9, Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St., second floor meeting room.
The cost is $50 per family. There is a minimum enrollment of 12 families and a maximum enrollment of 15 families. Registration must be received one week before classes begin. For more information or to register, visit www.ldchealth.org or call (785) 843-0721.