Family Education Classes
Washington Classes
If you live within 70 miles of WACAP's Renton headquarters, you must attend four Family Education classes before your adoption is finalized. Classes are either free presentations or paid workshops. They're held at our Renton office (315 S 2nd St, 98057), except as noted. We also offer several classes online. Pre-registration is required.
Some Saturday workshops carry a fee of $15 per couple or $10 for singles, payable at pre-registration or on the day of the workshop. All weekday events are free. To pre-register for any class, email KarenD@wacap.org.
If you are adopting a child age 3 or older from any WACAP program, two of your four required classes must be the Adopting Toddlers to Teens support group. There is no charge for the support group, and you can find scheduled dates below.
For information on WACAP Weekend, please click HERE. There are additional education options for WACAP families in Oregon, Alaska, and Wisconsin. Families are also encouraged to view our list of live and pre-recorded webinar classes.
Classes held in Renton are as follows:
2013 Family Education Schedule
May
All Grown Up
Saturday, May 18, 2013, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WACAP’s always-popular panel of adult adoptees discuss growing up adopted, including racial issues, their perception of being different and the role of birth parents. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Free.
June, July and August
Enjoy the summer!
September
Grandparenting with a Plus
Saturday, September 21, 2013, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
All adoptive grandparents are invited to hear a panel of grandparents who have traveled to meet their new grandchild, get tips on being a conspicuous grandparent (“Is she your grandchild?”) and learn how your new family member attaches to parents and of course, to you! RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Free.
October
School Issues: the Role of Adoption in the Classroom
Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What are IEP’s and ESL? Who should I tell my child is adopted? How should I talk about it? Learn how to become your child’s best advocate at school. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Free.
NOvember
TBD
December
Winter Holiday Family Celebration
(Date and Time TO BE ANNOUNCED)
Join WACAP for an inclusive celebration of all the winter holidays including Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Solstice - along with a great potluck dinner. Share your familiy's cultural traditions! Children are welcome. RSVP to 206-575-4550 or by e-mail to karend@wacap.org. Donations accepted.
Adoption Support Groups
Adopting Toddlers to Teens: Support and Solutions Group
Meeting Sundays from (new time! 4 to 6 p.m.), this free group offers supportive listening and positive tips about parenting older adopted children. You’re welcome to attend both before as well as after your child arrives home. Contact Zia Freeman at ZiaF@wacap.org for more information.
Support Group dates for 2013:
May 19
June 9
July 14
Aug. 11
Sept. 15
Oct. 20
Nov. 17
Dec. 15
***For those who can't attend a support group meeting in person, don't forget to check out our online chatboard for families who have a adopted a child age 2 or older***