The Parenting Center
Ms. Julia Portnoff
Parenting Center Director
e: jportnof@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us
p: ext. 6923
The Parenting Center serves elementary school families in the South Orange Maplewood School District. The Center's goal is to be a dynamic resource in our community addressing children's needs and parent's concerns. Its aim is to provide parents with a full range of supports as they help their children grow and develop.The Parenting Center is founded on the belief that occasionally every parent needs support - often just a conversation with peers and/or professionals - to help with parenting issues and concerns. We are here to support parents and families in our school district. Participation is voluntary, free and on an "as needed" basis.
The Parenting Center:
- Sponsors an evening speaker series addressing parents' most common concerns. Speakers are nationally known experts as well as local professionals.
- Hosts parenting support groups on a variety of topics, including parenting children with ADD or attentional difficulties, selective mutism, and supporting students whose families have recently immigrated to the United States.
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Presents parenting workshops on topics ranging from sibling rivalry, to bullying, to helping children eat more healthfully (a nominal fee is charged for some workshops).
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Runs an annual Holiday Toy Drive.
- Has a directory of local, state and national resources available to parents.
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Has an extensive library of parenting literature and videos which parents can use.
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Creates publications with parenting tips on a variety of topics.