2025 Class Requirements for Returning CIFK Parents
We are a volunteer-based organization, and the strength of our programs comes from the families who are part of them. For returning parents in the program 4 years or less, we ask that you give back in the way that works best for you:
Take 8 hours or workshops to learn new skills and ideas to support your family OR Volunteer 20 hours to help keep local programs running.
This is an either/or choice—no mixing required. Whether you choose learning or volunteering, your participation makes a real difference and helps us continue offering support to all families in our community.
Participants in the program 5 or more years: Above requirements plus ADDITIONAL 4 hours
We hope that you will find an option that will make an immediate and positive impact for you and your children.
Have an idea? Share your workshop topic suggestions here!
Community classes available for credit
Visit our Community Calendar for classes offered throughout the entire year.
Getting Out of Debt
On 9/3, from 5p-6:30p in person at the North Attleboro Library. Topics of discussion with American Credit Counseling Service will include strategies for getting out of debt, and what to do if you are having trouble paying your bills. Please register for the workshop by calling (508) 643-4445 or emailing workshop@accs.org. Returning Christmas is For Kids parents are welcome to attend and will receive course credits.
Connecting with Care: Essential Communication Skills for Mental Health Caregivers
Families for Depression Awareness is presenting their free webinar — Connecting with Care: Essential Communication Skills for Mental Health Caregivers — on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET/ 4:00 to 5:30 PM PT.
In this webinar, Dr. Chris Segrin will guide you through four real-world scenarios caregivers often face supporting loved ones through depression. You’ll learn practical communication techniques for discussing depression symptoms, navigating conversations about professional help, using de-escalation strategies, and addressing trauma-related challenges with sensitivity.
Register to join us for a live webinar discussion. Returning Christmas is For Kids parents are welcome to attend and will receive course credits. Ask for a certificate of attendance after attending the webinar and email to cifk@councilforchildren.org
Youth Mental Health First Aid
The Youth Mental Health First Aid workshop equips caretakers with the tools to recognize early signs of mental health challenges in children and teens. It empowers them to respond confidently and appropriately in moments of crisis or concern. This training helps reduce stigma, builds awareness, and strengthens the support network around our youth. For Attleboro families, it’s an opportunity to gain practical skills that can make a lasting difference in a child’s well-being. This online workshop will be delivered in two separate 2-hour sessions on September 12th and 26th, from 6p-8p. For Greater Attleboro Area families, it’s an opportunity to gain practical skills that can make a lasting difference in a child’s well-being. Returning CIFK caretakers will receive credits for training hours. RSVP to cifk@councilforchildren.org
Peer to Peer Payment Apps: What to Know Before Sending Money
Topics of discussion will include Peer to Peer Payment App basics as well as how to avoid scams. Please register for the workshop by calling (508) 643-4445 or emailing workshop@accs.org. Returning Christmas is For Kids parents are welcome to attend and will receive course credits.
Sleep and Bedtime
In this Project Connect workshop, parents will learn habits and strategies to support their child's sleep and protect their own rest. We will discuss infant sleep needs, toddler "bedtime battles" and more. Thursday, Sept 25th from 12:15- 1:15 pm on Zoom. Returning CIFK caretakers will receive credits for training hours.
RSVP to jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Mindful Parenting
Does your toddler/preschooler struggle with transitions and routines. Join Project Connect as they come up with solutions to create a calm environment when faced with chaos! In person, no childcare available. Sept. 30th from 6:00-7:00 pm. Returning CIFK caretakers will receive credits for training hours. RSVP to jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Early Literacy and Reading Habits
In this Project Connect workshop, parents will learn strategies for making reading time with your child interactive, engaging, and character-building. Parents will also learn ways to integrate early literacy skills that prepare children for school and for a life-long love of reading. In person, no childcare available. Wednesday, Oct. 1st from 5:30-6:30 pm. Returning CIFK caretakers will receive credits for training hours. RSVP to jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Vaccination Roundtable & Clinic
Join us on 10/4 (9AM-12PM) for an informative and supportive roundtable discussion with the City of Attleboro’s Public Health Nurse. RSVP to cifk@councilforchildren.org
The Importance of Play
In this parent education group, Project Connect will talk about the stages of play and why it is so important to a child's overall development. Tuesday, Oct. 14th from 6:00-7:00pm on Zoom. Returning CIFK caretakers will receive credits for training hours. RSVP to jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Addressing Family Stress and Depression
Does your family have the tools they need to address life’s stressors? By being knowledgeable about self-care and mental health, you can help your family get on the path to wellness. Join Project Connect on 10/14 for this online workshop. Returning CIFK caretakers will receive credits for training hours. RSVP to cifk@councilforchildren.org
1:1 Conflict Coaching
Want to learn how to navigate disagreements with a co-parent? Communicate effectively without escalating conflict? Cope with the emotional strain of financial hardship? Manage your child’s behavior in a calm and confident way? Make clear decisions even when you're feeling overwhelmed? What’s one challenge you're currently facing that you wish you had more support or guidance with?
We have an exciting new partnership with MV Mediation that will provide 1:1 conflict coaching and workshop opportunities. Coaching sessions and workshops can help improve communication and build conflict resolution skills. This program is designed to help make a plan to fix a problem that has been bothering you or to repair a relationship. This is an online workshop. October 17th at 6PM. Please RSVP to cifk@councilforchildren.org or mward.mediation@gmail.com
Staying Calm as a Parent
In this Project Connect workshop, parents will learn habits and strategies to take care of themselves and calm their own bodies in moments of stress. The research-based information will support parents to handle the challenges of parenting with more calm, more confidence and less guilt. In person, no childcare available. Wednesday, Oct. 22nd from 5:30-6:30pm. Returning CIFK caretakers will receive credits for training hours. RSVP to jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com
Understanding Teen Depression
You could be the person a teen turns to when they’re struggling! Do you and the adults in your community know how to respond if a teen needs help with their mental health? Returning CIFK caretakers will receive credits for training hours. RSVP to cifk@councilforchildren.org
Online Courses: Attleboro 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 must be .8 cu or higher print certificate and include with application
print certificate and include with application
Options for Volunteering for 20 hours
fill in volunteer hour sheet (see our website for a copy)
organization must write a letter on their letterhead confirming you volunteered
include both with your application
Literacy Center
English for Speakers of Other Languages, call 508-226-3603. Parents who are not proficient in English may find it better to work through the Literacy Center, take classes there, and we’ll work with the instructors there obtain get your children’s wish list.
Other Credit Options
Finish your HiSET (high school equivalency exam) - include copy of completion with your application
College Courses: must be from spring or summer sessions in the year you are applying and have a passing grade of 70% or higher and include copy of transcript with your application
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 outside the office door at 4 Hodges St, Attleboro.
Returning parents: Applications must be completed and back to us, including all documentation, by the due date on the application. A late application will put you on the waiting list. Please see the due dates on the application.
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 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.