LEWISTON — Nurturing parenting programs sponsored by Advocates for Children and funded by Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative will begin next month.

Classes are:

Facilitator training for nurturing parenting programs: Learn the philosophy, skills and strategies of nurturing parenting. Participants will learn how to design nurturing parenting programs utilizing proven lessons. This is a facilitator training for any professional desiring to implement the nurturing parenting programs, that help prevetn child abuse and neglect, with families in their community. Classes are Oct. 3, 4, 5, Wednesday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. 4 p.m., Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce, 415 Lisbon St. To register, call 783-3990. Facilitators are Kim Desso, Robin Robertson and Betsy Norcross-Plourde Cost is $250 per person

Youth parenting infants, toddlers and preschool age children: This program is intended for parents under the age of 22. This is a 16 group session program that addresses appropriate child expectations, developmental milestones, recognizing and expressing feelings, discipline strategies, family roles and supporting your child’s power and independence. Families will be visited by the facilitator at home in addition to group sessions to support nurturing parenting practices. Classes are Oct. 4 to Jan. 31, Thursdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Advocates for Children, 57 Birch St., Suite 204. To register, call 783-3990. Facilitator is Linda Tukey. Cost is $50 per parent.

Nurturing Parenting Program for Parents of Infant, Toddler and Preschool Age Children (presented in English): This is a 16 group session program that addresses appropriate child expectations, developmental milestones, recognizing and expressing feelings, discipline strategies, family roles, and supporting your child’s power and independence. Families will be visited by their Maine Families home visitor. Classes are Oct. 10 to Feb. 6 (with seven home visits), Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Advocates for Children, 57 Birch St., Suite 204. Facilitator is Nancy Reynolds. To tegister, call 783-3990.

Eligible families must be enrolled in the Maine Families Home Visiting Program and live in Lewiston or Auburn. For more information or to register call AFC or Kim Desso at 783-3990.