more... > Parishes > Avoyelles > Family & Consumer Sciences > Parenting Classes with the Southern University Ag Center [Image: Debra Jackson] Debra Jackson, parent educator with the Southern Ag Center, provides parenting classes to clients in Rapides and Avoyelles parishes. Reading Aloud to a Young Child [Image: Reading to your child] One of the best things you can do for a small child is to spend time reading aloud to him/her. EFNEP Newsletters [Image: EFNEP front cover] Quarterly newsletter with helpful hints on promoting healthy living. FF-NEWS This article describes the FF-NEWS program (Families First- Nutrition Education and Wellness System).  more articles... Healthy Holiday Cooking Tips [Image: Clipart of turkey on platter] This article describes tips for cooking traditional holiday foods with a healthy twist. Helping Children Cope in the Aftermath of Hurricanes [Image: parent and child] During the aftermath of hurricanes the emotional expressions by adults influence the reactions of children in their care. Don’t Get Burned- Fire Up With Food Safety [Image: BBQ dinner] Handle food carefully in the summer because food borne illness- also known as “food poisoning”- happens more in warmer weather. How Do Children Learn? [Image: Child with toy] Children are visual, auditory or kinesthetic learners -- or a combination of these. There are distinctive differences in their preferences and the way they learn. Child Care Provider Classes [Image: Jane Jones, new childcare provider trainer] Classes for child care providers and child care centers are posted quarterly. For Class A and in-home caregivers, the price is $7.50; for Class B providers, the price is $42.50. The orientation class is mandatory for in-home caregivers, and the price is $10 for that 4-hour class.