Pine Technical & Community College, a leader in innovative education, has developed courses to assist parents in building constructive parenting styles. We are passionate about helping parents develop strategies to successfully meet the changing needs of their families. All classes are held via Zoom. A link will be sent to all students prior to the start of each class.
Classes are only $20 per class, per person or household!
The following can be taken as a 7-part series or as individual standalone courses.
Start strong by building relationships that support your child’s growth.
In this first session, we’ll get to know each other, set group expectations, and explore how your connection with your child shapes their social and emotional development. Learn why positive relationships are the foundation for healthy behavior and learning.
TBD 2026 6:30-7:30 pm
Build stronger relationships and better behavior through play and encouragement.
This session explores how playful interactions, positive language, and everyday encouragement can shape your child’s behavior. Learn how to make daily moments fun and meaningful while promoting cooperation and connection.
TBD 2026 6:30-7:30 pm
Understand what your child’s behavior is really telling you.
In this session, you’ll learn how to look beyond the behavior to discover its purpose. You’ll explore ways to respond effectively, practice identifying the meaning behind behavior, and learn how to create simple, meaningful rules for home and community settings.
TBD 2026 6:30-7:30 pm
Create calm, confident days with predictable routines.
This session highlights how consistent routines support your child’s success and reduce challenging behavior. You’ll explore the Family Routine Guide, learn strategies for smoother transitions, and discover how to plan ahead to make routines work for your family.
TBD 2026 6:30-7:30 pm
Help your child build strong social and emotional skills for lifelong success.
In this session, you’ll learn when and how to teach key skills like naming feelings, using calming strategies, and solving problems. These tools support your child’s self-regulation, emotional growth, and positive behavior at home and beyond.
TBD 2026 6:30-7:30 pm
Learn how to respond calmly and effectively when behavior challenges arise.
This session reviews powerful prevention strategies and introduces new tools to help you respond with purpose, both at home and in the community. You’ll leave with practical techniques that build confidence and support your child’s positive behavior.
TBD 2026 6:30-7:30 pm
Bring everything you’ve learned into a simple, effective plan you can use every day.
This session helps you understand why challenging behaviors happen and introduces a practical, three-part plan focused on prevention, teaching new skills, and responding calmly. You’ll also learn how to use tools like the Family Routine Guide to support your child throughout daily routines.
Gain the knowledge and confidence to care for children safely and responsibly. Perfect for new or experienced sitters! All courses are held via Zoom. A link will be sent out prior to each class start date. The cost per session is only $20 per person. Classes can be taken as a five-part series or as individual standalone courses.
Sunday, May 3, 2026 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Discover how to be an awesome babysitter – someone who keeps kids safe, calm and happy while their grown-ups are away. This class will give you the basics so you can feel ready and confident when you babysit. We’ll share ideas and talk about what real babysitting looks like. We’ll share ideas, and talk about what real babysitting looks like and explore how babysitting connects to bigger career paths
Sunday May 17, 2026 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Learn how to understand what babies need and how to keep them safe and comfortable. Find out how to read baby cues, handle them safely, feed and change them, and know when to ask for help. Discover how babysitting prepares you for bigger career paths-including education, healthcare, and helping professions.
Sunday, May 31, 2026 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Study what to do to prevent accidents, how to stay calm if something goes wrong, and how to protect both the kids and you. Learn what active supervision looks like, how to spot and remove hazards, what to do in emergencies, and when to get help from an adult. Gain insight on how to plan indoor and outdoor activities that are safe, creative, and match each child’s age. Learn how babysitting prepares you for other career paths and other steps you can take to prepare for these opportunities now.
Laura Lamb began her early childhood career baby-sitting during her teen years. Laura received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Child and Family Studies from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. She has worked with children, families and caregivers for 20 years as a social worker, early childhood family educator, trainer, early childhood screener, and preschool teacher.
Laura has received extensive training in
language and literacy, early math, motor
skills and social/emotional development. She
completed her Master’s in Early Childhood
Education at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, in 2019. Laura is passionate about sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas and lessons learned with others who work with young children.
Laura currently teaches preschool in
Perham, Minnesota, working with 4 and 5
years olds in a public school setting. Laura
also completes Early Childhood Screenings
for children ages 3-5 and continues to provide training and professional development for early childhood educators across the state.
At PTCC, we make college possible for those starting out or starting over. Whether you seek a career program, new skills or general education transferable to another college or university, Pine is an excellent choice! Join us for an on-campus or virtual information session.
Start your educational journey at PTCC!