Fairfax County offers free parenting education through PEP program

Fairfax County is offering free parenting education classes through its Parenting Education Program (PEP), Unidentified Speaker 2 (Fairfax County staff) said. "Our parenting education classes are offered to all Fairfax County residents free of charge," the speaker added.

PEP provides 10–16 week parent classes tailored by child age, with parallel age‑appropriate sessions for children. "Each parenting class is between 10 to 16 weeks long," Unidentified Speaker 4 said. Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday and target groups including parents of children aged 0–4, parents of children 5–11 and parents of adolescents.

Children attend separate sessions that cover similar topics while parents learn rules, praise and discipline. "While parents learn about rules, praise, and discipline in their class, the children are in a separate class having fun, age appropriate discussions about the same topics," Unidentified Speaker 2 said.

Participants described personal benefits. Unidentified Speaker 3 said, "I just felt a lot more self aware and and confident somehow," describing the program’s effect on confidence and parental worry.

The county offers culturally specific tracks and outreach. Unidentified Speaker 6 described the Hispanic track and said staff "try to have cultural competency" when addressing cultural differences in parenting styles. Unidentified Speaker 2 also described an African American–focused class that addresses cultural practices and is open to families from diverse backgrounds, including adoptive and biracial families.

PEP staff are trained in established curricula. "Our PEP staff are trained to use the Evidence Based Nurturing Parenting and Active Parenting curricula to help families engage more positively during the 10 to 16 week sessions," Unidentified Speaker 2 said. The program also offers an ARC reflections class, described as trauma informed and focused on "attachment, regulation, and competency," that covers brain development, praising children, setting realistic expectations and parent self‑care.

Some classes are available virtually for those who cannot attend in person. The program is supported by volunteers and community partners who assist by facilitating classes, donating meals and providing space. Those interested in volunteering, facilitating a class or helping to provide dinners or space were asked to contact the program by email at buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or by phone at (703) 324-7720. For more information the county directed listeners to visit fairfaxcounty.gov and search "parenting education programs."

The program aims to give parents practical tools and community support to strengthen family relationships and child development. Enrollment details, schedules and registration steps are available through the county website and the contact points listed above.