You are anxiously waiting for a referral of a child. Between now and the time your child arrives home is an excellent time to take our class on the emotional and physical care of newly adopted children.
This class is focused on the care of children between 6-24 months of age at the time of their arrival. This class prepares you for those first few weeks and months after your child has joined your family and how to meet those specific needs with more care and confidence.
The class was developed and is taught by two adoptive mothers (one social worker and one registered nurse). They draw from their own personal experience of adopting international children as well as from their combined learning experiences working with other international adoptive families. Internationally adopted children have unique needs when they arrive into their new families and the women realized that these needs weren't being adequately addressed by other "new parent" education classes.
Topics include: The physical care of children, eating and sleeping habits, how to change a diaper, when to be concerned about your child's health, what to take with you on your trip overseas to receive your child, and things you should have in place when your child arrives home. The class also covers bonding and attachment issues, discipline and setting limits with your child, how to handle racism, and the importance of establishing spiritual values in your home.
The class is open to all adoptive families regardless of placement agency as well as adoption professionals seeking continuing education credit. The fee for the class is $50. The fee is waived for families adopting through Dillon International.
For adoptive families completing international adoptions from Hague countries, this class accounts for four (4) certified Hague Adoption Education hours. Upon completion of the class and submission of the evaluation form, you will receive a certificate issued by Dillon International confirming your adoption education credits. Adoption professionals will also receive a certificate of attendance for 4 hours of continuing education credit.
For more information or questions regarding this class, please call 918/749-4600 or email our Pre-Adoption Education Coordinator.
