For this particular group, it seems to be important to start and end early enough to have children in bed at their usual time; have an opportunity for socializing; do lots of small group and very practical work during sessions; and have excellent childcare. I think it has really helped the cohesiveness of the group that so many of their children are in the same classes.

The next group I hope to start is for parents with junior high age youth. Our current thinking is to start by offering it at the same time as AYS (probably Sunday evening) since most of them will be bringing their youth to the building. Any proven program ideas? After talking with Liz Jones of San Diego we are considering a parallel AYS course as the [parents] program.