Parenting Classes

Many of our classes offer time for parents to learn with their children along with a parent education discussion group. We also offer parent-only classes that meet weekly or biweekly. These classes are here to support you in your parenting journey. 

ECFE Goals:

• Provide support for a child's optimal physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development during the important first years of life
• Promote informed, realistic attitudes and expectations about raising children
• Offer child development information and a variety of parenting techniques
• Help create effective communication in families
• Provide information on resources available in the community

Parent-only and parent-child classes are listed in our ECFE Class Catalog. 

A typical class includes:

• Parent-Child Activity: Time when you and your child together enjoy a classroom filled with developmentally appropriate play and learning activities.

• Parent Discussion: You’ll meet with other parents and a licensed parent educator to share experiences and information about child development and parenting techniques.

• Children’s Activity Time: While you are in Parent Discussion (in separating classes), children learn and play with licensed early childhood teachers. Children practice social skills and will enjoy music, art, stories, and large/small muscle activities.

Choosing an ECFE Class

We offer separating classes where parents spend time with their children and away from their children, non-separating classes where parents and children stay together for the entire class period, and parent-only classes where parents attend class without their children. We also provide sibling-care so you can build quality relationships with your children individually, as well as together.

What you need to know about separating classes

• Parents and children interact and explore activities together for the first part of class. This provides an opportunity to spend uninterrupted time with your child exploring games, creative activities, books, science, dramatic play and more!

• Following parent/child interaction time, parents meet in a separate classroom with a licensed parent educator for discussion of topics related to child development and parenting.

• While parents meet for parent discussion, children participate in age-appropriate activities with a licensed early childhood teacher and a teaching assistant. Children are provided experiences which encourage social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

What you need to know about non-separating classes

• Parents and children stay together in the classroom for the entire class.

• Parents remain in the same room with children and interact with them in varied learning and play activities.

• A licensed parent educator leads discussion on topics such as child growth and development, discipline, transition to parenthood, and how children learn and play.

• Discussions, sharing, and support take place within sight and sound of playing children.

What you need to know about parent-only classes

• Parents will meet the entire class discussing parenting topics.

• Children can experience educational activities in an early childhood environment.

What you need to know about sibling care

• Child care is offered to siblings of class participants. Sibling Care is available on a sliding-fee scale.

• Starting at 4-5 months of age, siblings need to go to sibling care. Newborns and young babies are welcome to come to class with parents. Sign up for sibling care on your registration form, page 14.

Family Drop In & Play