This is an informational orientation for parents ONLY. A one-hour orientation will give you an overview of the Circles program. Parents planning to enroll their children in Circles are required to attend.

This orientation will give you a brief overview and understanding of the Circles program. You will meet the instructor, preview the materials, videotapes, and activities that will be used in the class. We will offer an understanding of class structure, curriculum, and expectations.

Class materials will be available to preview and parents will make their own Circles Map!

What parents have told us about their child's Circles experience:

• "Before circles class, (my daughter) was hugging or trying to hug the workers coming in and doing our remodeling work. Afterwards, she started shaking hands."
• "Our 11-year-old tends to be overly physically affectionate with everyone. Since she participated in CIRCLES, however, she is much more conscious of who gets a close hug, a faraway hug, a handshake or simply a wave. Sometimes she will check with us (mom and dad) to see if it is OK to hug or kiss a friend. (Before CIRCLES she just acted on impulse.) She has also identified people giving each other "faraway hugs" on TV. It is nice that she now understands these distinctions."
• "CIRCLES has made a tremendous difference for our 14-year-old mild MR son. Once he got lost in a department store and immediately knew to seek out a "community helper with a badge." He didn't get nervous at all and instead knew exactly what to do based on the CIRCLES program."