Childbirth & Parent Education Classes and Playgroup Programs

We are here to prepare you for the exciting adventures of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, and we invite you to take part in our wide variety of childbirth education classes. Classes are open to all prospective parents, whether or not you plan to give birth at Manchester Memorial Hospital. All instructors are certified in their specialties.

For additional information or to register over the phone, call 860.647.4790.

Understanding Birth eClass

For parents who want the information but can’t fit the classes into their schedules, or for moms on bed rest. These self-paced online classes cover all the vital components of labor and birth. Class includes evidence-based material, videos, animation, quizzes and fun activities. The program also includes an “Ask the Educator” feature with one of the Childbirth Educators from Manchester Hospital.

$100 for 9-month access

Call 860.647.4790 for more information or to register.

Pregnant & Uninsured or Insured?

Pregnant/Gynecological (GYN) Exams

The Maternity Care & Family Planning Center at Rockville General Hospital provides prenatal and postpartum care for women who are uninsured and insured.  Women who receive prenatal care through the Center have access to ultrasounds and laboratory services, as well as gynecological services including: physical examinations, sexually transmitted infection testing, pregnancy testing, disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance and family planning services. Patients receiving care through the Center will receive one-on-one care from a doctor or nurse.  The Center’s staff works closely with the staff of the Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital to ensure a seamless transition of care for prenatal patients as they prepare for birth. Assistance is offered to help anyone enroll in Husky medical insurance plans. Private payers are also welcome.

For more information, call 860.872.5170 Monday, Wednesday or Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.


Family Development Center Classes

The Family Development Center is operating in-person and is providing virtual services as needed to the families enrolled in our programs. We are offering home visits, telephone support for families, playgroups, storytime, and parent workshops. The programs connect families to community resources such as diaper banks, food pantries, rental assistance, utility assistance, and mental health services.

The following grant-funded programs are offered through ECHN’s Family Development Center.

Early Head Start

This is a home visiting program that serves low-income children from birth to age three, pregnant women, and their families residing in Manchester or Vernon. A Parents as Teachers (PAT) certified Parent Educator provides parent education, child development information, developmental screenings, disability, nutritional and behavioral health services, field trips, playgroups and learning activities.

Weekly home visits, literacy-based playgroups, parent support groups and nutrition classes are offered to all families with the highest health and safety precautions.

For more information and/or to enroll:
860.682.2681
mcaldwelll@echn.org

Office of Early Childhood Home Visiting Program

This program serves children from birth to six years old, pregnant women and their partners. Parent Educators offer home visitation, parent education, parent-child group experiences, playgroups and development screening referrals to community resources, social emotional support and a fatherhood program to support dads/male partners. All components of the program are being offered in-person including weekly playgroups and weekly home visits.

For more information and/or to enroll:
860.247.8795
nherman@echn.org

ATTENTION all fathers, uncles, grandfathers, father figures and male role models: Please consider joining our Fatherhood Parenting Groups and Platforms. We will connect, learn, motivate, and encourage each other in one-on-one or group interactions both virtually and in-person.

To learn more, contact Kwasi Ntem-Mensah:
860.266.0126

kntem-mensah@echn.org

Vernon Family Resource Center

The Vernon Family Resource Center (FRC) serves children and families in the Vernon community. The FRC offers education and support services for the entire family. Services include home visiting, parent-child playgroups, positive youth development, parenting education, support for family childcare providers, resources and referrals to community services, adult education, preschool care and after-school care.

Laugh & Learn Playgroups for Vernon residents and their children ages 12 months – 5 years old. Family Child Care Providers are also welcome and encouraged to attend with the children in their care. Playgroups run in six-week sessions and are hosted in partnership with the Vernon Family School Community Partnerships office. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, to access program schedules, locations and/or to enroll:
860.508.1554
jhoulder@echn.org

Manchester Family Resource Center

This program offers education and support services for the entire family. Services include home visiting, parent/child playgroups, positive youth development, parenting education, support for family childcare providers, resources and referrals to community services, adult education, preschool care and after-school care.

Waddell Elementary School, Manchester
Outdoor/Indoor Playgroups

Wednesdays 10 – 11 a.m.

To register:
860.463.8197
smatthew@echn.org

Successful Teens Excelling as Parents and Partners (STEPP)

This program offers supportive services to teen parents and their partners in the Manchester school system to ensure that they graduate from high school while developing successful parenting skills. STEPP provides one-on-one coaching, mentoring, case management, home visitation, workshops and group peer sessions. STEPP is providing in-person home visits, playgroups, resources and family engagement opportunities.

For more information and/or to enroll:
wmingo@echn.org