We know you have questions about whether or not becoming a Simplicity Parenting© Group Leader is right for you. As individuals send in their questions, we add them to this growing list to better explain what we are offering and how it works. If you have a question and it has not been answered below, please send it to our training coordinator, davina@socialsustain.com. If you have questions about the registration process, please contact our admissions coordinator, katharine@socialsustain.com.

I’m interested in becoming a Simplicity Parenting© Group Leader, how do I do that?

There are two ways we train leaders.

1. You can attend a 2.5 day on-site training at one of our many locations offered throughout the year.
2. You can attend our Distance Learning Training which consists of 9 conference calls usually over 10-16 weeks which are offered twice each year – early Fall and late Winter.

Visit the following pages to find training dates, registration and payment information.

Are there any prerequisites for becoming a Simplicity Parenting© Group Leader?

Yes. Simplicity Parenting© Group Leaders are encouraged to read the book, begin simplifying in their own lives, and complete a training Commitment Letter that is sent to you upon registration, which includes a statement of intent, your education background, and your personal reflections on simplifying.

What is the difference between the Group Leader Distance Learning Training and the On-Site Training?

Most aspects of the two trainings are the same.

• Both trainings require submission of the same prerequisite Commitment Letter.

• Both trainings equip participants to run their own 7-session parent groups and other workshops.

• After both trainings, participants have access to ongoing mentor calls, peer support, and expert supervision.

• Both trainings offer participants the opportunity and support materials to develop an income stream and a position in their community as a Simplicity Parenting parent educator.

Advantages of the On-Site Training:

· More “we-feeling” is built in a local community

· More role-plays are possible during the training

· Shorter, more intense, face-to-face attendance-learning time

Advantages of the Distance Learning Training:

· No need to travel

· Learning is spread over 10-16 weeks

· National and International community

I’ve never taken a Distance Learning course. How does it work?

Once you register for the Distance Learning Training, you will receive a pdf registration Welcome Letter which includes a link to the Commitment Letter, a schedule of the call dates. Training will consist of weekly or bi-weekly conference calls. You will be supplied with a conference call phone number that you will dial and an access code and you will hear other participants in your program on the call and be guided by our Simplicity Parenting© Training and Certification Coordinator, Davina Muse. During the training, you will communicate between calls by email with your co-participants and Davina.  If you are not comfortable with the computer and learning new technology tools, we recommend that you consider registering for an on-site training.  It is recommended that you know technology basics such as:

• receiving and sending email
• writing/saving/uploading word documents and images
• opening pdf documents
• listening to audios online.

Testimonial:

“I was a little nervous about the Distance Learning, but I am becoming more comfortable with it, the more I practice and use the system. I actually think there are advantages to learning this way; I like having the chance to read the assignments of others and to take the time over a period of weeks to slowly digest what I am learning.” Christine Summerfield, Winter 2011 Distance Learning

What happens after the training?

1.  You will be invited to join our on-line forum, Wiggio.  We offer a video tutorial and a technology support administrator to answer questions about Wiggio.  Wiggio offers the opportunity to connect with group leaders all over the world, to share ideas and resources, and to to keep up with the Simplicity Parenting movement.

2.  You will study the promotion and marketing materials that are part of your training packet, and begin to take steps you feel comfortable with to develop your work as a group leader in your community.

3.  We offer bi-monthly Group Leader mentor conference calls, on which you can receive expert supervision, peer support, and share ideas and inspirations.

4.  You will be invited to post your profile as a Group Leader on our Group Leader list on our website, www.simplicityparenting.com.  This allows parents in your area who are looking for support to find you.

What is the certification process?

At the end of On-Site Training, you will be given a certificate of attendance and training.  At the end of Distance Learning Training, you will receive your certificate in the mail.  Your official title will be Certified Simplicity Parenting Group Leader.

How long is the Group Leader training?

The Distance Learning Training consists of 9 conference calls over 10-16 weeks. We suggest participants expect to spend 2-3 hours/week on the coursework. This includes a weekly class call, reading, and writing assignments.

If you are participating in an On-Site training, you will be committing to 2.5 days of training (usually a Friday evening, a Saturday and Sunday).

How much does the training cost?

Whether you are registered for the on-site training or the distance learning training, the cost to become a trained Simplicity Parenting Group Leader is $980.00; however, if you register by the Early Bird registration date, you will pay $880.00.

Our administrator, katherine@socialsustain.com, is always willing to assist if you have questions about cost or payment.

Can I charge for offering parent groups once I am trained?

Yes.  This is a wonderful way to offset the cost of your training.  We offer comprehensive information and materials to help with promotion and marketing of your group, and other Simplicity Parenting offerings, such as workshops.

How can I develop an income stream from my work as a Group Leader?

• Developing a niche for yourself as a Group Leader in your community can provide a supplementary income.  This may take persistent perseverance over time and making use of all the support we offer.
• Please know there is no requirement that Group Leaders send any part of the earnings from their work back to Simplicity Parenting.

The fee for the Leader training seems high, at $980. Why is this?

It may help to understand how this fee is built up:

The Training

• Training Tuition
• Leader Manual and Parent Handbook mailed to you directly
• Administration: registration, training materials, certification, online presence
• High quality framed Certificate of Attendance and Training mailed to you.

After the training:

• On-going one-hour group Mentor calls after your training, 2-3 per month.
• On-going access to Simplicity Parenting website pages for posting promotion and
• announcements about your work, available to our very large public.
• On-going access to on-line forum for connection and continuing education with
• international community of leaders and your trainer.
• On-going connection with the name Simplicity Parenting and Kim John Payne’s
• public presence.

Note that the last 4 items are on-going: you may make use of them for as long as you
like: together we build the Simplicity Parenting movement.

How long do I conduct the Simplicity Parenting group once I’m trained?

This will ultimately be up to you as a group leader. There are 7 sessions for the full parenting group course. We encourage leaders to offer the course to parents for 7-14 weeks.

Can I use the training materials for other offerings than the 7-session parent course?

Yes.  You are free to offer workshops of any length on Simplicity Parenting themes, using the material from the training.

Will I need a business license to facilitate Simplicity Parenting© groups and workshops?

If becoming a trained Simplicity Parenting© Group Leader is also the beginning of a new business venture for you, then it can be wise to begin running your groups to see if there is, indeed, a flow of income. Save business related receipts for material costs, room rental, refreshments, and keep a log of your mileage. If you are making a profit of $400 or more for the year, then it will be wise for you to register your business.

Will I have to report my income for taxes?

If you have made an income of $400 or more, you will be required by law to report your income.

How much can I expect to make leading Simplicity Parenting© Groups?

Our suggested fee is $30/person per session and $45/couple per session. So, a 7 session course costs $210.00/person or $315.00/couple. There is a separate materials fee for the cost of the Simplicity Parenting Parent Handbook (or hand-outs, depending how you are distributing the session content), refreshments, and art supplies (if you use them).

Of course, Group Leaders are experts on the financial possibilities in their own communities, and will adjust their fees accordingly.

We recommend that you have at least 6 parents (representing 6 different families) registered per group. So, the least amount a Group Leader can expect to make if they follow these guidelines is $1260.00 per group. Out of this amount you may need to rent a space. It is recommended that you put aside 20% for taxes.

What kind of public relations help will I receive from simplicityparenting.com?

Simplicity Parenting© leaders receive access to Wiggio to connect with other group leaders for support. All Simplicity Parenting Group Leaders are listed on the simplicityparenting.com site.  You will receive a free email address (yourname@simplicityparenting.com), and you will receive public relations materials to help you promote your parent groups.

We are always available to help you better promote your groups and coaching visits to your community; we will offer suggestions and guidance as this work develops.