LEWISTON — Advocates for Children announces several training opportunities scheduled this summer.

Leap Into Learning will help children build a strong foundation for future school success through fun activities and books this summer. Children will practice recognizing shapes, recognizing patterns, comparing, vocabulary development, listening skills, eye/hand coordination, sequencing, retelling stories in fun ways and creative and inventive writing.

Parents and caregivers will practice how to support rhyme, rhythm and repetition at home; how to create and maintain “language-rich” home routines that support children’s literacy development; ways to access resources in the community to support children’s literacy development.

The classes are for parents and caregivers with children 3 to 4 years old. They will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, July 1 to Aug. 19. The cost is $3 per child per week

Preregistration and payment are required. Call Advocates for Children at 207-783-3990 for more information.

Mandated Reporter Training is a class for professionals who work with children and families. Learn about the changes in the state’s focus regarding the responsibilities of mandated reporters, the types of abuse and risk factors, how to manage disclosures, and how to make a report of suspected abuse. The class will be from 5:30-8:30pm Aug. 26 at Advocates for Children, 124 Canal St., Suite A. Preregistration is required.

Responding to Child Abuse will inform anyone responsible for working with or caring for children and families. Learn more about how you can contribute to the protection of children and youth. Instructors include experts from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, law enforcement, judiciary, medical community, foster care, family violence, substance abuse and sex offender treatment.

This 39-hour course will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 9 to Dec. 16, at Central Maine Community College. The $275 cost includes all materials. Upon successful completion of the course participants will receive 4.5 continuing education units.

For more information or to register, contact Advocates for Children at 207-783-3990 or [email protected].

Education Involvement teachers parents and caregivers how to create a “school-smart” home, establish a better working relationships with your child’s school, use effective discipline and encouragement, promote attitudes that build success, and coach your child in reading, writing, spelling, math, and science without being an expert. It will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 20.

The cost is $25 per person or $40 per couple. Preregistration and payment are required. Call 783-3990 for more information.