This is an activity that supports the families of young children (birth through five) by helping to improve the quality of childcare, working with parents of preschoolers, and helping to ensure that all Duplin County children enter school healthy and ready to learn. The Parent Specialist encourages parents to participate in at least four sessions of ongoing (at least two months in length) parenting skills training. The Parents Empowerment Training activity is designed to address parenting skills and competence in four components. The components are choosing appropriate activities to do with your child, learning better ways to handle children’s behavior, understanding the importance of regular medical check-ups, and learning ways to make homes safer. This activity is provided at the partnership and community meeting places. For more information, call Amanda Sanderson, Smart Start, 910-296-2000 ext 110, or e-mail sandersona@intrstar.net.