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Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
Parent Education at VCE has offered educational classes for families in Prince William for over 20 years. We provide five distinct classes. Classes are offered in English and Spanish.
1. Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) is an inclusive program consisting of seven classes that teach parenting subjects based on the child's age. STEP is taught in three age groups.
Young Children (ages birth - 5), School Age Children (ages 6-12), and STEP Combined Spanish (ages birth -12).
2. The Juvenile Justice Parenting Program (JJPP) is attended by parents and teens. Topics include methods to improve family relationships, teenage behavior, anger management, effective communication, and who is responsible for the behavior. Parents attend eight classes. Teens attend seven classes.
3. When Families Get Angry is an adult anger management class. Topics include understanding the root cause of anger, identifying anger triggers, how to handle positive and negative anger, and calming techniques.
Preregistration is available online in English and Spanish. Please finalize registration at our Manassas Office. Registration is not completed until payment is received, and class materials are sign for.
The registration fee is $60.00. Payment is only accepted in cash (exact amount), check, or money order.
Office Location: 8033 Ashton Ave, Suite 105, Manassas VA. 20109
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Phone: 703-792-6288 Se habla Español 703-792-5940
Please contact our office on holidays and during inclement weather for availability.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Expand all- Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP)
- Early Childhood - (children ages Birth - 5)
- School-Age - (children ages 6 - 12)
- STEP Combined Class Spanish Only- (children ages Birth - 12)
Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) is seven classes. Topics are based on the child's age. This course covers effective communication, age-appropriate child behaviors, understanding children's needs, building self-esteem, differentiating between discipline and punishment, parent self-care, and parental empowerment.
Class is one night a week on Zoom. Time 6:50 pm - 9:00 pm. Class completion certificate given.
- The registration fee is $60.00. Payment is only accepted in cash (exact amount), check, or money order.
- A seat in class is not reserved until payment is made.
Class Schedule:
Young Children (age birth - 5): All English
- Tuesday, March 03, 2026 - April 14, 2026
School Age ( age 6 to 12) All English
- Thursday, February 12, 2026 - March 26, 2026
- Wednesday, March 04, 2026 - April 15, 2026
STEP (age birth - 12): All Spanish
- Tuesday, March 03, 2026 - April 14, 2026
- When Families Get Angry (WFGA)
When Families Get Angry (WFGA)
This three-week comprehensive program provides a thorough understanding of anger management, focusing on identifying root causes and implementing constructive ways to handle anger. Participants are taught techniques for processing anger, improving relationships, recognizing anger triggers, calming techniques, resolving conflicts, expressing emotions effectively, managing intense feelings, and promoting positive communication.
All classes are Virtual on Zoom. One night a week. Starting 6:50 pm - 9:00 pm. Completion certificate is given.
- The registration fee is $60.00. Payment is only accepted in cash (exact amount), check, or money order.
- A seat in class is not reserved until payment is made.
Class Schedule:
When Families Get Angry (WFGA) All English
- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - March 25, 2026
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - April 28, 2026
When Families Get Angry (WFGA) All Spanish
- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - March 25, 2026
- The Juvenile Justice Parenting Program (JJPP)
Juvenile Justice Parenting Program
This comprehensive program is designed to assist parents and teenagers in finding solutions to improve their family dynamics. The adult class concentrates on understanding difficult behaviors exhibited by teenagers, such as dishonesty, breaking curfew, skipping school, disrespect, moodiness, drug use, and defiance. The teen class focuses on improving family communication, expressing themselves effectively, managing anger, and if applicable meeting court requirements. Topics covered in both parent and teen classes include effective communication, anger management, who owns the problem, and the difference between punishment and discipline. The program is eight weeks for adults and seven weeks for teens. Adults and teenagers attend separate group classes.
Class is one night a week, virtually on Zoom.
- Adult Class: 6:50pm - 9:00pm
- Teen Class: 4:50 pm - 6:00pm
Completion certificate given.
- The registration fee is $60.00. Payment is only accepted in cash (exact amount), check, or money order.
- A seat in class is not reserved until payment is made.
Class Schedule:
Juvenile Justice Parenting Program - All English
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - May 05, 2026
Juvenile Justice Parenting Program - All Spanish
- Monday, March 02, 2026 - April 20, 2026
VCE Parenting Classes are for you if –
- You are court involved
- You want to learn more about the stages of childhood development
- Your teen is demonstrating risky behaviors
- Want to learn new methods to handle anger
- Want to build a strong and happy family
Want to make a difference in the community and help strengthen families? Become a Volunteer Parent Educator.
Are you passionate about strengthening families and empowering parents to be their best? Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? Do you enjoy volunteering?
If yes, we invite you to consider volunteering to teach Systematic Training for Effective Parenting classes. Or if teaching is not for you we also need community outreach and office volunteers.
For more information about volunteering please contact Savannah Saenz, Parent Education Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected].
Volunteer Information
Information in Spanish/Información en español
En Espanol
Virginia Cooperative Extension - Prince William Unit
Parent Education Program
8033 Ashton Ave. Suite 105
Manassas, VA 20109
Phone: English: 703-792-6288 or Se habla español: 703-792-5940
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) - Prince William Unit at 703-792-6289/6288 during business hours of 08:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, an is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.
