Frequently Asked Questions

Teacher/Parent Consultations

How do we access consultation? 

A teacher can call Project Enlightenment and ask for a referral form.  Both the parent and teacher sign and complete the form and return it to Project Enlightenment.  A consultant will contact the school to plan an observation.

What does an observation look like? 

A consultant will contact the child’s teacher and schedule a day and time to observe in the classroom.  Following the observation, the consultant will meet with the child’s teacher and parent(s) to develop strategies that will best support the child in the classroom so that she or he experiences success.

How do I make a referral? 

Referrals are initiated by teachers and caregivers of preschools, childcare centers and kindergarten classrooms in Wake County with parents written consent.

Parent Services

Who can use parent counseling services at Project Enlightenment?
Parent counseling is available for Wake County residents seeking support and information regarding a child kindergarten age or younger. Our counseling services are primarily time-limited, educationally oriented and focused on assisting parents or legal guardians in areas such as child behavior, education and development.

When is parent counseling available?
In general our counseling appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Project Enlightenment is closed for all Wake County Public School System holidays and school inclement weather days. During the months of July and August we provide counseling on a more limited basis.

Can I bring my child with me for a counseling appointment?
If possible, on the first visit, most of our counselors prefer that you come without your child. If this is not possible, give your counselor a call before the appointment.

Do both parents need to come to the first counseling visit?
It is helpful for both parents to come to parent counseling sessions to hear the same information and to ask their own questions. However, we recognize that this is not always possible.

Can you work with children's grandparents or other caregivers?
Our primary mission is to work with parents. However, with parental permission, we will discuss concerns about the child with other caregivers. Also, grandparents and other caregivers often come to parent education classes.

Is there a charge for counseling?
There is no charge for counseling.

What are some typical problems that are addressed in parent counseling?
We can assist with a variety of concerns about children birth through kindergarten age. Some typical concerns are: discipline issues, learning problems, emotional concerns, toilet learning, sleep or sibling issues, divorce, separation and grief.

How long should I plan to participate in counseling sessions?
You and your counselor will determine the need for appointments beyond your initial meeting. First sessions typically last one to one-and-one-half hours. Most follow up sessions last an hour. Counseling is intended to be short-term and educational in nature.

What kind of credentials do the counselors have? Are they professionals?
All of our counselors are Master's level professionals in a counseling related field who have many years of experience in working with families of young children..

Do you offer play therapy, marital therapy, family therapy or group therapy?
We offer counseling and education to parents and guardians around their concerns about their child. If your child or family needs further assistance, we will direct you to other community resources.

What parent workshops do you offer?
Each year different parent workshops are available on a variety of topics relating to children. Please refer to the Workshops Section of this website under Parent Resources. As soon as the brochure is available it will be uploaded to the website as well. Registration for parent workshops begins August 7, 2007.

Do parent workshops have a fee?
There is a fee for parent workshops. However, we do not want the fee to keep a Wake County parent from attending. Please see the Workshop section of the website or the parent education workshop brochure for fee information.

Can I bring my child to a parent workshop? Do you offer babysitting?
With the exception or the baby/parent play group, our parent workshops are geared for adult education. Unfortunately we do not have child care available at Project Enlightenment

I was told I had to take a parenting course. Can you give me a certificate for attending the course?

• Certificates of attendance are available. The instructor must know ahead of time that you need this document. Please call our office staff at 856-7775 and ask them to pass this request on to the course instructor.
• If a parent is referred to a course by the court system or the Department of Social Services, the first step is to have an individual appointment with a parent counselor to discuss appropriate course options.

General Workshop Questions

Can I pay for a workshop by credit or debit card when I register?

We are working diligently to bring you the convenience of credit or debit card registration by the spring of 2008. Until then, we will need to have you print out your registration form, write a check and mail it to us. Your registration form and check reserve your space in workshops.

 

How do I apply for the Demonstration Preschool at Project Enlightenment?

You may call Project Enlightenment at 856-7774. Applications for this program for four-year olds are accepted in January to enroll for the following year. See the information under the Child Centered Resources section.