Marty Dutcher (BPS, Human Development/ECE) has over 30 years of experience in the preschool, childcare and parenting world.  He has designed and managed learning environments for preschools, kindergartens, and private schools.  He founded a project-based program for 5 to 8 year olds in Washington, DC, and in 1985 he joined a group of educators in designing and operating a large, high quality childcare company.  Marty hired and trained staff, developed educational curricula for the various age groups and helped develop and lead parent workshops.   In 2002 Marty designed the powerful and unique parenting course, Beyond Good Parenting.   In 2006 he founded Parenting for Partnership and is now completing a book on parenting, subtitled The Art & Science of Learning, Context, and Partnership.

What Others Say About Marty Dutcher

“Marty intuitively understands how people learn and what helps them grow.   Students and parents understand that they are being taken seriously and respond to this genuine care by wanting to participate in deep and meaningful discussions with him.  They engage; they learn.”

             - Josie J, Washington, DC  (parent, former teaching colleague, school chaplain)

"Marty is a gifted and experienced child care expert who has worked for years to put into words why what he does works.  His class is a distillation of that wisdom that goes beyond simple techniques to underlying principles that make effective parenting a way of life."

            -Brian L, Laurel, MD (parent of 2-year-old, family therapist)

What Others Say About The Curriculum (four 90-min sessions)

 “I got some specific ideas for how to improve parenting and how to take the frustration out of it.  It is easier for us to have fun together, and I find myself choosing to spend time with [her] instead of feeling like it is a burden so much of the time. “

          - Melanie Y, Lancaster, PA (parent of 3-year-old, professional counselor)

 “The overall arch of the course provided a helpful structure.  During each meeting, as Marty introduced new approaches and contexts for us to consider, I could see how these built from the previous lessons and gained confidence in my ability to practice these new parenting techniques.  I was also pleased that the classes were interactive.  Through brief lectures, he explained various parenting concepts, and then we had opportunities to share examples of how these concepts might play out in our own relationships with our children.”

         - Eric and Phyllis R, Silver Spring, MD (parents of 3- and 5-year-old)

“We learned a new approach to discipline, a different way of looking at situations that I think is yielding more positive results and increasing the harmony in our household.  I didn't realize how powerful a new 'language' with which to communicate with our kids could be – this has been a real revelation to us!” 

           - Alexa F, Silver Spring, MD (parent of 4-year-old, prof group leader)

“I really enjoyed this morning … the discussion felt very valuable; particularly the discussion about "need" and reminder that we are mediating and empowering them to affect their own interactions, that we are in charge of laying the groundwork and setting the boundaries ... and that love is continuous even in the presence of frustration.”

         - Audrey & Rick Engdahl, Hyattsville, MD (parents of 1½ and 3½-year-old,               musicians/child care staff)

What Others Say About "Power Struggles to Cooperation" (90 min)

"Very glad I attended. It reinforced some things that I have been doing well and things I need to refocus on. I am really thinking more about how I say things and respond to the actions that bother me. Either it has been very exceptional or I am doing it more than I noticed - the house seems calmer.  I would love for my son's father to hear this so we are not constantly at odds on how we are raising our children." 

        - Joy Z, Lancaster, PA 

"Marty's presentation was both informative and enlightening.  He brings some unique perspectives to an area [parenting], that normally does not have a 'guidebook'.  His visual aids were also helpful and well organized.

“Marty demonstrated compassion to individuals who expressed feeling overwhelmed and confused as parents, and remained afterwards to answer their questions personally.  In addition to teaching his methods to others, he is willing to learn from, and about many other issues specific to the needs of, attendees which shows true dedication to what he does.  I thank him for being with us!"

       - Christy F, MS - Reg Dir of Autism Services, Family Behavioral Resources (Lancaster)