Adult and Parent Education

At GPCA, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Our Adult and Parent Education programs are designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

Join us at GPCA and take advantage of these transformative educational opportunities designed to uplift adults and empower parents for a brighter future!

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Offered free of charge at the Houston Center (8th and Snyder), our ESL classes help non-native speakers gain confidence in their language skills, enhancing their ability to communicate and connect within the community.

Associate Degrees through Harcum College

‍Take the next step in your educational journey without leaving your neighborhood. We collaborate with Harcum College to provide classes in essential fields such as Early Childhood Education, Human Services, and Behavioral Health. Classes are conveniently held at locations such as the Mamie Nichols Center and select Early Childhood Education centers.

Majors Available:

• Early Childhood Education
• Human Services
• Behavioral Health.

Parenting Educational Program / Parent collective

Parenting Educational Program serves parents at-risk of involvement in the child protection system in addition to parents seeking to reunite with their children. We strive to work with parents in the Philadelphia area around issues such as re-unification, child neglect, and abuse so they can provide a nurturing environment for their children.

The Parenting Program provides 12 weeks of a Parenting Support Course that meets weekly, virtual or in-person. We use an evidence-based curriculum (Nurturing Parenting Program), which is a family-centered trauma-informed initiative designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices. Inspired and written by Stephen J. Bavolek, PhD.

Our program also includes topics that deal with the mental development of children in addition to the area of the child’s brain parents should be aware of when disciplining their young.
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We assist parents with a variety of skills, allowing them to work through vulnerabilities and challenges in today’s world. Our FREE program is also open to parents looking to increase their parenting skills and provide a nurturing environment for their household.
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Activities & Lessons Include:
• Nurturing Parenting
• Understanding Behaviors
• Children’s Brain Development
• Helping Children Handle Feelings
• Verbal & Physical Redirection
• Dealing With Stress
• Children's Safety & Awareness
• Cultural Parenting Practices
• Building Self Worth
• Family Empowerment
• Graduation Celebration

FREE 6 Week Parenting Class Schedule:
(Classes run on Mondays or Fridays)
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CYCLE 1 (Registration Open)
• Mondays, July 7 - Aug 11, 2025
• Fridays, July 11 - Aug 14, 2025
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CYCLE 2
• Mondays, Aug 25 - Sept 29, 2025
• Fridays, Aug 29 - Oct 3, 2025

CYCLE 3
• Mondays, Oct 6 - Nov 10, 2025
• Fridays, Oct 10 - Nov 14, 2025

CYCLE 4
• Mondays, Nov 17, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026
• Fridays, Nov 21, 2025 - Jan 9, 2026
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Classes are held virtually or at Houston Center, 2029 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148.