FARMINGTON – Parenting education is a program provided by the Franklin County Children’s Task Force, but for some parents north of Farmington, transportation may no longer be a barrier to attending.

The Franklin County Children’s Task Force recently received a $6,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation to support parenting education in northern Franklin County.

“This grant will allow us to eliminate one of the barriers that has been identified by families, which is the lack of public transportation to the more rural parts of Franklin County,” said Renee Blanchet, executive director. “We have had many families unable to access our resources due to the fact that they have no ride to get to us.”

A couple of recent surveys indicate that parent education is an unmet need for Franklin County, she said. So while classes have been held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Farmington, it is often difficult for parents above Farmington to be able to participate.

Classes will be held in Phillips at The Zone Coalition, or the Old Gymnasium, starting in September and run in eight-week intervals. The Task Force is hoping to eventually also start classes on the eastern side of Franklin County heading north toward Kingfield, she said.

The program is based on nurturing and features the use of empathy and discipline and explores different parenting styles and personal power.

Classes for men and women are held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the eight-week session. Free child care is provided as well as snacks. The grant will help make all this possible, Blanchet said.

A program facilitator and a graduate of the program provide the class for the adults while two child care providers are also available during the class time.

“We are grateful that the Maine Community Foundation has given us a chance to help all the families of Franklin County. It couldn’t have come at a better time. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month,” she said, “and we want all of Franklin County to know that we are here to help them, and we hear their concerns regarding the lack of resources available in the northern tier of the county.”

For more information, visit the office at 113 Church St., Farmington, or visit its Web site at www.fcctf.org or phone 1-888-429-6960.