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CORVALLIS, Ore.- Oregon State University's Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, which has taken a leadership role in parenting education in Oregon, will hold a series of events May 20, 21 and 23, as part of Oregon Parenting Education Week.

"Of all the things that influence a child's growth and development, the most critical is reliable, responsive and sensitive parenting," said Denise Rennekamp, outreach coordinator for the Hallie Ford Center.

"Parenting skills can be enhanced by effective parenting education. The seminar series is an opportunity to increase awareness about the importance of parenting and the value of parenting education in optimizing outcomes for children."

The events include:

Monday, May 20, noon: "Cultivating a Community-wide Culture of Nurturing Along the Southern Oregon Coast," a presentation by Stephen J. Bavolek, executive director of the Family Nurturing Centers, International

Tuesday, May 21, 2 p.m.: "Supporting Children's First Teachers: Promoting school readiness through parent education," a presentation by Katherine Pears with the Oregon Social Learning Center

Thursday, May 23, 10 a.m.: "Boys, Men, Fathers: A 30-year intergenerational study of how fatherhood impacts men and their families," a presentation by David Kerr of Oregon State University. Hallie Ford Center Endowed Director Richard Settersten will provide an introduction titled "How Fatherhood Matters for Men's Lives."

All of the events, held in Hallie Ford Center room 115, are free and open to the public.