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Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
Virginia Cooperative Extension has supported families through education, communication, and connection in Prince William County for over 20 years. Our programs provide practical tools, guidance, and support to help parents navigate all stages of childhood and adolescence. Caregivers learn how to express emotions safely, and respond to conflict in healthy, constructive ways. Our program is committed to serving the diverse families of our community. Classes are scheduled in both English and Spanish.
Para español,haga clic en la pestaña azul "Seleccionar idioma" en la parte superior de esta página.
Office Closure: Parent Education will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
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 signed 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 Options:
-
Parenting of Young Children (birth to age 5) – English
Day: Monday
Dates: July 13, 2026 through August 24, 2026 -
Parenting of School-Age Children (ages 6 to 12) – English
Day: Wednesday
Dates: July 15, 2026 through August 26, 2026 -
Parenting of All Ages (birth to age 12) – Spanish only
Day: Tuesday
Dates: July 14, 2026 through August 25, 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 Options:
-
When Families Get Angry (WFG) – English
Day: Tuesday
Dates: July 14, 2026 through July 28, 2026 -
When Families Get Angry (WFGA) – Spanish
Day: Monday
Dates: June 08, 2026 through June 22, 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: 6:50 pm - 9:00 pm
- Teen Class: 4:50 pm - 6:00 pm
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 Options:
-
Juvenile Justice Parenting Program (JJPP)– English
Day: Wednesday
Dates: June 03, 2026 through July 22, 2026 -
Juvenile Justice Parenting Program (JJPP) - Spanish
Day: Thursday
Dates: June 04, 2026 through June 23, 2026
VCE Parenting Classes
VCE Parenting Classes may be helpful for you if any of the following apply:
- You are involved with the court system.
- You want to learn more about child development.
- Your teen is showing risky or challenging behaviors.
- You want to learn new methods to manage anger.
- You want to strengthen your family and build healthy relationships.
Become a Volunteer Parent Educator
Do you want to make a difference in your community and help strengthen families? Becoming a Volunteer Parent Educator may be a good fit for you.
Volunteer Parent Educators support families by teaching Systematic Training for Effective Parenting classes. You may enjoy this opportunity if:
- You are passionate about strengthening families.
- You want to empower parents to be their best.
- You enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community.
If teaching is not the right role for you, we also welcome volunteers to help with community outreach and office support.
For more information about volunteering, please contact:
Savannah Saenz, Parent Education Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 703-792-6683
Email: [email protected]
Thank you for your interest in supporting our community through volunteer service.
Virginia Cooperative Extension - Prince William Unit
Parent Education Program
8033 Ashton Ave. Suite 105
Manassas, VA 20109
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Phone: 703-792-6288 Se habla español 703-792-5940
Email: [email protected]
Please contact our office regarding holidays and during inclement weather to confirm class and office availability.
We are on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/VCEPrinceWilliam
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.
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.