WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

At Discovery Center, we strive to provide meaningful learning opportunities to support families and enhance the connection between home, school and community. On this page, you'll find our current list of on-going classes and support groups as well as our calendar of upcoming workshops.

FREE CHILDCARE

Our Discovery Center Playpen offers free childcare for children ages 0 to 5 available to parents while they are participating in many of our workshops and classes. A copy of each child's birth certificate and immunization record is required to participate in Playpen. 

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Check out our list of upcoming workshops and events below. Some workshops may have limited capacity. Please contact Discovery Center to find out how you can plug in!

WorkKeys Prep & Testing

Did you know Discovery Center's Project PEACE offers WorkKeys Prep & Testing? ACT WorkKeys designations are required by employers for many job openings -- including some Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District positions. Let us help you get the score you need for the job you want!

Training and testing is available at Discovery Center, and assistance with testing fees may be provided for those who qualify for Project PEACE services.

Contact Laura Thurmond, our Education and Testing Specialist for more information:
662.615.0033 or lthurmond@starkvillesd.com

ON-GOING CLASSES

Whether it's a phone call, a virtual meeting, or a face-to-face class or support group, the Discovery Center offers a variety of opportunities to connect and learn on a weekly or monthly basis. Many of our classes and workshops offer incentives for participation, and you'll always find a listening ear and relevant resources. We hope you'll join us in one of these current on-going class offerings.

Active Parenting In Person Class

ACTIVE PARENTING CLASS
Meets Weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays
11:00am - 12:00pm
Discovery Center Resource Library

Our Active Parenting Class meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Discovery Center Resource Library and offers support and information for parents. Members who attend TWO CLASSES are eligible to receive a free pack of diapers, wipes and baby food. Those who complete six classes will receive a parenting certificate for finishing the program.

For more information, please contact Roy Ann Bell at 662-320-4607 or 662-615-0033

PARENT CAFE
Meets Tuesdays
Discovery Center
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Bring your own lunch! Facilitated by Families Strengthening Families, this support group will help you share ideas, learn, and find support for the challenges of parenting!

For more information, please contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or bculberson@starkvillesd.com

Funded by MDCPS

ACT RAISING SAFE KIDS PARENTING CLASS
Meets Thursdays
Discovery Center
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Bring your own lunch! Facilitated by Families Strengthening Families, contact hours are available for this class.

For more information, please contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or bculberson@starkvillesd.com

Funded by MDCPS

ONE ON ONE PARENTING CLASS
Virtual or In-person 
Call to schedule a convenient time

Did you know Project PEACE's offers One on One Parenting Classes? You can schedule a time with our facilitator virtually or in-person and get great one on one convenient training in effective parenting skills!

Funded by Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Contact Patrice Jackson-Cajar to at 662.615.0333 or pjackson-cajar@starkvillesd.com

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
Meets virtually on 1st Wednesdays
1:00 - 2:00pm
Discovery Center

Join this support group facilitated by  Susan Griffin to learn and gain support from other parents of children with autism.

For more information, please contact Roy Ann Bell at 662.615.0033 or rabell@starkvillesd.com

ALL MY MONEY FINANCIAL WORKSHOP
One-on-one or Small Group Glasses available upon request

Discovery Center at Emerson School
1504 Louisville Street - Starkville, MS

Did you know? The Project PEACE All My Money Financial Workshop is available as a one-on-one or small group class! If you would like to take this 4-week course to learn how to better understand spending choices, managing a budget, savings accounts and more, just contact Patrice Jackson-Cajar. Childcare is provided with required paperwork.

Contact Patrice Jackson-Cajar at 662.615.0033 or email pjackson-cajar@starkvillesd.com

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE SUPPORT GROUP
Every Friday
10:00 - 11:30am

Discovery Center

Join Project CARE and Project PEACE for an English as a Second Language Support Group on Fridays from 10:00 until 11:30am at the Family Resource Library at Discovery Center. Visit us at 1405 Louisville Street to get support for using conversational English, facilitated by Laura Thurmond, our Educational Specialist. All non-English or limited-English speaking individuals are welcome!

For more information, contact Roy Ann Bell at 662.615.0033 or rabell@starkvillesd.com.

FOSTER PARENT CLASS
Every 2nd Monday
6:00 - 7:00pm

Discovery Center

Join us for our Foster Parent Class presented by Families Strengthening Families to learn and find support on your journey in foster parenting. This class meets every 2nd Monday at 6:00pm at the Discovery Center. Registration is required and contact hours and certificates are available.

For more information and to register, contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or bculberson@starkvillesd.com

FAMILY VITALITY CAFE
Fourth Fridays
12:00pm - 1:00am

Discovery Center

Our Journey to Vitality Conversations facilitated by Families Strengthening Families promote social, environmental, financial, spiritual, mental & emotional, and physical well-being. Bring your own lunch and be encouraged by the #JacketFamily conversation! Childcare provided.

For more information, please contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or bculberson@starkvillesd.com