The mission of the Young Parents Education Center (YPEC) is to empower teenage and young adult pregnant and parenting students (ages 13-30) to pursue educational opportunities that lead to independence and self-sufficiency and to promote positive parenting enabling their babies to develop to their fullest potential. Serving Great Falls since 1969, YPEC has three components to meet the varying needs of pregnant and parenting students and their children: family support, parenting education, and quality childcare.
Volunteers are a large part of their program, and there are many ways that you can help and be a positive part of a student's life. Volunteers are needed in the childcare center helping with infants and toddlers. You can volunteer to be a guest speaker for their parents and students during group sessions. Volunteers may also serve as mentors, sharing their experiences and professional history with the students.
To volunteer in the childcare center, you must be current on immunizations and be able to pass a background check. You will be asked to sign a code of conduct. Volunteers at the childcare center serve at your leisure from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Group is held every Thursday from 9 a.m.-10 a.m., and speakers must schedule in advance.
For more information or to volunteers, contact Shandy Peterson at 268-6665 or shandy_petersen@gfps.k12.mt.us.