Parenting Now was founded in 1978 in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon as a grassroots community project named Birth To Three. Since that beginning, over 100,000 local parents and their children have benefited from the organization’s programs and services.

Today, Parenting Now is one of the premier parenting organizations in the country, a model for others to replicate – and most of all, a way to create an extended family and sense of community through the common bond of parenthood. The success of our many programs has made an impact on families nationally and internationally.

For most new parents, a baby changes their lives dramatically. Most parents want to do a good job raising their children, yet not all parents know how or have the support they need. New parents may feel isolated and frustrated about their abilities or just want to share the excitement of the daily changes in their lives with someone who understands. Parenting is the most important, challenging, and rewarding job most people will ever have and positive parenting skills can be learned. Most parents find it very helpful to become part of a supportive Parenting Now group where they can learn about child development and share information with other new parents. As an added bonus, most Parenting Now groups remain friends for years! In a recent survey, 100% of the parents who participated said they would recommend us to a friend, and 97% said participating helped them become a better parent.

Every year, close to 1,000 local parents and their children in Lane County, Oregon, participate in Parenting Now parenting groups, and an additional 4,000 people connect with our other programs and services. In over 45 years, we have served more than 110,000 parents and their children. Throughout the country—and the world—other organizations use Parenting Now's curricula and reach thousands more families. Our curricula are used at more than 900 sites in 47 states and in 17 international locations, and in Native American and Native Hawaiian communities.

Over the years, our local services expanded to support parents of children older than age 3, yet our previous name, Birth To Three, indicated a specific age range. Another reason to change our name was to emphasize our belief that parenting education is important for families and society. In addition, there are Birth To Three organizations elsewhere that assist families when children have developmental disabilities. We also know of a Birth To Three organization in Washington state. In contrast, we own the copyright to the name Parenting Now. Our vision remains the same, -- All children are raised by nurturing, skilled parents – and we are still a 501.c.3 not-for-profit organization.

 Compensation for Parenting Now's Executive Director is set by the Board of Directors. It is determined by market analysis of similar positions and responsibilities, tempered by budget constraints.