2026 Classes & Requirements
We are a volunteer-powered program, and our strength comes from the families who are part of it. For parents who have been in the program for 4 years or less, we ask that you give back in a way that works best for you:
Choose an option:
Attend 8 hours of workshops to learn new skills and strategies to support your family.
Complete 20 hours of volunteer service with a nonprofit organization to help strengthen our community.
OR
You may also choose to combine both options: Every 5 hours of volunteering counts as 1 workshop hour.
Whether you choose learning or volunteering, your involvement makes a meaningful difference and helps us continue supporting families across our community.
For families who have participated in the program for 5 or more years, we ask that you complete the option above plus an additional 4 hours of participation.
New families are not required to complete classes or volunteer hours, this applies only to returning families.
We hope you’ll choose the path that brings the most value to you and your family while helping strengthen our community.
Have an idea? Share your workshop topic suggestions here!
Community classes available for credit
American Credit Counseling Service
Building a Better Credit Score, April 29th (5pm - 6:30pm)
American Credit Counseling Service provides monthly financial education classes for Christmas is For Kids parents. These sessions cover important topics such as budgeting, understanding credit, and managing debt to help families build stronger financial futures.
On April 29th, topics of discussion include how to read your credit reports, as well as how to obtain and improve your FICO credit scores. Pre-registration is required. To reserve your spot, please call (508) 643-4445 or email info@accs.org in advance.
This class will be held at the Council for Children offices at 112 Bank Street in Attleboro.
Teen Depression and Autism: Unique Challenges, Effective Strategies for Support
Returning CIFK parents will receive credits for participating. Please request a certificate and email to cifk@councilforchildren.org after attending.
Getting Ready for Kindergarten from 6:30-7:30 pm on Tuesday, May 5th on Zoom
Ms. Sarah will be focusing on the 6 important aspects of development (language, social emotional, self-help, fine motor, reading readiness and math readiness) and help you provide a smooth transition for your child. RSVP jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
The Importance of Routines on Friday, May 8th from 12:00-1:00 pm on Zoom
Join us for this parent education meeting to discuss how routines in your child's day can help foster smooth transitions for all! RSVP jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Choosing a Quality Preschool on Friday, May 15th from 12:00-1:00 pm on Zoom
In this presentation, we will walk you through the process of selecting a preschool that best fits the needs for you and your child. RSVP jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Getting Ready for Kindergarten from 12:00-1:00 pm on Friday, May 29th on Zoom
Ms. Sarah will be focusing on the 6 important aspects of development (language, social emotional, self-help, fine motor, reading readiness and math readiness) and help you provide a smooth transition for your child. RSVP jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Let's Talk About Potty Training! from 6:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, June 9th on Zoom
In this parent education group, we will discuss different approaches to toilet learning. Perhaps you are struggling to find the right method for your child and are looking for different ideas that align with your parenting style. We will also touch on the signs to watch for that indicate that your child is ready to begin the journey! RSVP jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Preparing Your Child for the Structure and Expectations of School from 6:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 16th on Zoom
This workshop will help parents prepare their children to enter school ready to learn in a classroom environment. We will discuss supporting your child to follow the rules and expectations at school. This includes teaching children strategies to regulate their bodies & emotions, respectfully follow directions, and safely participate in a classroom community. RSVP jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Language & Community Mentorship
April 4th, 10a - 12p (112 Bank Street, Attleboro, MA 02703)
We invite youth and adults to be part of a welcoming program designed to support English language learners and build community connections.
✔ Homework help for youth
✔ English language support for adults
✔ Bilingual mentorship and guidance
✔ Breakfast provided
In partnership with Multicultural Language Services, this program creates a supportive space for families to learn, grow, and connect together. *Returning CIFK parents will receive credits for participating.
Come be part of our community—we’d love to have you! RSVP to cifk@councilforchildren.org
Deter, Detect, Defend - March 24th, 5p - 6:30p (112 Bank Street, Attleboro, MA 02703)
ACCS presents the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft workshop. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim of ID theft, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Topics of discussion will include how to protect yourself against identity theft, and what to do if your identity is stolen. Pre-registration is required. To reserve your spot, please call (508) 643-4445 or email info@accs.org in advance.
American Credit Counseling Service provides monthly financial education classes for Christmas is For Kids parents. These sessions cover important topics such as budgeting, understanding credit, and managing debt to help families build stronger financial futures. ACCS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial education and counseling to individuals and families in need.
Online Courses: Attleboro Library
You do need an Attleboro Library card to access Universal Class; other SAILS library cards may not work. You do not need to be an Attleboro resident to get an Attleboro card. You can also sign up for an e-card and select Attleboro as your preferred library.
Need a library card - from the Attleboro Public Library home page
Click on the "Universal Classes" link - or just click here to get to the Universal Classes web page
If you have already created a username and password, click the “sign in” button
Email cifk@councilforchildren.org or call 508-226-2336 to see if class is acceptable;
Complete course with a passing grade (70% or higher) and CLASS/CLASSES must be .8 cu or higher FOR PARENTS IN THE PROGRAM 4 OR LESS YEARS
MUST BE .12 OR HIGHER FOR PARENTS IN THE PROGRAM 5+ YEARS
Print certificate and include with application
Parents can also access Mango Languages, an easy-to-use online program with over 70 languages, including English. Learn at your own pace through fun, interactive lessons anytime, anywhere.
Options for Volunteering for 20 hours
organization must write a letter on their letterhead confirming you volunteered
include both with your application
Other Credit Options
Finish your HiSET (high school equivalency exam) - include copy of completion with your application
College Courses: must be A COMPLETED COURSE from spring or summer sessions in the year you are applying
Finally, a few important reminders…
Please update us if you move or change email addresses so we have your correct contact information in case there are changes to the program that needs to be communicated to you.
CIFK applications will be available October 1 on our website as well as at our office at 112 Bank Street in Attleboro.
Returning parents: Applications must be completed and back to us, including all documentation, by (the due date on the application.) DECEMBER 1.
Returning parents who have been in the program 4+ years: Remember that you will need 4 additional hours of class time. All applications and supporting documentation must be received and completed by (the due dates as noted on the application). DECEMBER 1 in order to be considered for the program.
Please don’t wait until October and then try to get the classes done. If you have extenuating circumstances around getting to class, please let us know ASAP so that we can discuss it with you. Having on-line access to classes should eliminate most requests to make exceptions.
Finally, if you have an updated e-mail address, please send a note to cifk@councilforchildren.org with your name so we can include you on all e-mail updates.