............About Parent University

Parent University is currently funded through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) from the Early Childhood Block Grant, Even Start Family Literacy program, and the Community Foundation of Grundy County.

The primary goal of Parent University is to strengthen parent-child relationships, reinforce parenting skills, and promote child growth and development so that all children develop a strong foundation for learning.

Parent University operates two programs that assist at-risk families in Will and Grundy counties. The Joliet Community Even Start Program is a free educational program for low-income families with children ages birth to 5, designed to improve the academic achievement of young children and their parents. The program has a strong focus on improving literacy for both parent and child.  Learn more about the Joliet Community Even Start Program.

Parent University Jump Start Parental Training Program is a parenting enrichment program offered in Grundy and Will counties. The free program offers parent education and family support services from pregnancy until the child enters kindergarten.  Learn more about the Jump Start Parental Training Program.

A lending library of books, videos, and audiocassettes on parenting topics is maintained at the Education Service Network office at 1320 Union Street, Morris, Illinois. Residents of Grundy, Kendall, and Will counties are eligible to borrow materials for a two-week free loan. The library features a wide variety of parenting topics addressing all ages and aimed at parents and guardians, as well as professionals who work with parents and/or children. For more information, call (815) 941-3231 or visit the Parent Resources Page.

To learn more about Parent University, contact program coordinator Barb Terhall at (815) 941-3191 or bterhall@educationservicenetwork.org.