Classes for parents of children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old.  For children, it is an opportunity to spend one-on-one time with a parent, while exploring a rich and varied environment with other children. For parents, there are discussions on pertinent parenting issues led by a staff of experienced, caring teachers specially trained in child development, family counseling, and education. Experienced teacher assistants facilitate confidence and comfort as well as maintaining a stimulating and safe environment. Register your child only for any of the following classes. (Child is registrant- parents do not need to register also for the class)

Babies: for parents with children born between  9/1/20 and 8/7/21

Wednesdays, 11:30-1:30 pm

Instructor: Daniela Kim

Parents and children participate in circle time and playtime. Parents glean relevant parenting information through discussion and handouts while also gaining peer support and special friendships. Some of the topics that will be discussed include:  sleep issues, nutrition, baby proofing, car seat safety, separation issues, discipline, building self esteem, family traditions and co-parenting. The children remain in the same room as their parents at all times. 

*This class is temporarily meeting at Mayor's Discovery Park*

 

Spring Infants: for parents and children born between 8/8/21 and 12/31/21 (2nd Semester Only- begins Jan 27)

Thursdays, 11:30-1:30 pm

Instructor: Daniela Kim

For parents, a caring teacher with child development training leads discussions on parenting issues as well as provides informative handouts. It is a place to ask questions, share experiences, and build friendships. Some topics covered are sleep issues, nutrition, baby proofing, car seat safety, separation issues, family traditions and co-parenting. Children remain with parents at all times.

 

Non-Separating Toddlers: for parents and their children born between 12/2/19 to 10/15/20

Wednesdays, 9:00-11:00 am and 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Instructor: Nanette Brown

A caring teacher, who is specially trained in child development, leads discussions on parenting issues as well as provides informative handouts. It is a place to ask questions, share experiences, and build friendships. Some of the topics that will be discussed are: toddler development, toddlers and sleep, nurturing your parenting relationships, reading to toddlers, the hurried child, balancing discipline and the toddler’s independence/autonomy. For children, this is a time each week for undivided attention from mom or dad as well as an opportunity to explore a rich and varied environment with other children their own age. The Teacher Assistant works closely with the children in a caring and creative manner, facilitating confidence and comfort during class and discussion times. Children also enjoy free play, seasonal crafts, and outdoor playtime. The children remain in the same room as their parents.

 

Two's: for parents and their children born between 12/1/18 to 12/1/19

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 am

Instructor: Katy Riddell

For parents, it is an excellent chance to observe their children in a group setting. A caring teacher, who is specially trained in child development, leads discussions on parenting issues as well as  provides informative handouts. It is a place to ask questions, share experiences, and build friendships. Some of the topics that will be discussed are autonomy, communicating with twos, parenting styles, two’s and food, the five love languages, and preschool selection. For children, this is a time each week for undivided attention from mom or dad as well as an opportunity to explore a rich and varied environment with other children their own age. A wonderful Teacher Assistant, works closely with the children in a caring and creative manner, facilitating confidence and comfort during class and discussion times. Children also enjoy free play, seasonal crafts, and outdoor playtime.

 

Parents of Preschoolers: for parents and their children born between 6/1/16 and 12/1/18  

Thursdays, 9:15-11:15 am

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

In this class for 3-5 year olds, children will enjoy creative craft projects, song and story time, opportunities for indoor and outdoor imaginative play, and creating new friendships. An experienced teacher leads discussions about raising your preschooler using a variety of practical, mindful, and effective parenting strategies. Topics include preparing your child for Kindergarten, raising an emotionally intelligent child, mindful parenting and raising happy children who thrive. Teacher Assistants works closely with the children in a caring and creative manner to facilitate confidence and comfort during class and discussion times. Parents separate for discussion time.

Family Class: for parents and their children born between 12/1/16 and 8/8/21  

Fridays, 9:30-11:30 am

Instructor: Katy Riddell

This energetic, fun-filled course provides experiential art activities, creative sensory play, and art and science activities for children 0-5 years old. Created with the whole family in mind and combining the latest research, discussion topics focus on themes such as sibling rivalry and bonding, parenting relationships, creating peaceful, faith-filled homes, and embracing our imperfections. All children attending must be registered. Sibling discount applied at checkout. Non-ambulating babies are welcome in discussion room and must be worn. (No strollers)

For parents who cannot attend the full class with their child. You can attend for one hour, without your child, to participate in the vibrant discussion time of the class alongside other parents.

Discussion Only is available for Non-Separating Toddlers, Parenting Two’s, Parents of Preschoolers, and Family Class.

Classes for parents and grandparents of school aged children, K-12th. This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the developmental stage of your child/grandchild and how best to guide them through it while staying connected as a family. You will participate in rich discussions and receive informational resources.

Parents of Elementary Kids: for parents of children in kindergarten to 4th grade

Thursdays, 9:30-11am 

Instructor: Sarah Montes

This weekly class is designed to provide the latest in parenting information, support and discussion time for families of elementary children, with an emphasis on their development, learning, behavior and relationships.  We will discuss different strategies and approaches for managing behavior, social and emotional development, sibling interactions, peer relationships and family dynamics.  We will also cover topics such as early literacy, learning, homework, extracurricular activities and balance.

 

Parents of Tweens: for parents of children in 5th-8th grade

Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30-11 am 

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

This class will provide a weekly forum for support and information for families navigating the joys and challenges of raising a tween in today's world. The class will explore various topics, including the developmental tasks of middle schoolers, such as puberty, the pruning brain, technology, managing peer relationships and growing in independence. Join each week for this research-based, educational, and encouraging class.

 

Mindful Parenting: for parents of children in K-8th grade

Thursdays, 12:00-1:30 pm 

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

This class for parents of K-8th grades will cover the latest in brain research and how it practically relates to our children's development, learning, behavior, and relationships. In a spiritually rich environment, participants will learn mindful parenting strategies in managing behavior, building emotional intelligence, dealing with peer relationships, and many more topics. Parents will also gain ideas for creating a strong family culture and identity, while also exploring the adventures and joys of raising children in the 21st century. This class is online only and requires each participant to sign a “Connection Contract” committing to attend weekly with camera on, engage, and come with a heart to contribute and bond. Classes will not be recorded.

 

Parents of High Schoolers: for parents of children in 9th-12th grade

Thursdays, 9-10:30 am and 11:30-1 pm

Instructor: Vicki Rekedal and Sandy Lee Schaupp

This lively class creates an opportunity for support and sharing concerns while addressing issues facing teens – mind, body and soul. Topics will include: understanding the teen brain, mental health (stress, anxiety, self control, anger), peer influences, communication, the influence of technology and media, college prep, spiritual growth, homework hassles and driving. Special attention will be on the topics of letting go and raising independent teens who thrive and are resilient; as well as the importance of real presence in parenting teens.

 

Parenting through Learning Differences: for parents of children in K-12th grade

Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am *this class is moving to Tuesdays*

Instructor: Vicki Rekedal

Formerly Parenting your Exceptional Child. This class is designed for parents who need encouragement, support, education, and resources for raising a child (K-12th) with ADD/ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, weak processing skills, anxiety challenges, and/or twice exceptional. Our class will cover current cognitive, physical, social, and emotional research and the practical application- integration, self-regulation, anxiety coping techniques, sibling and friendship strategies, alternative approaches to treatment, advocacy, technology implications, and creating a home culture where each individual can thrive.

GRAND-Parenting: for grandparents of all ages

Wednesdays, 9:30-11 am

Instructor: Jan Roberts

The Grand-Parenting class will provide a rich source of information to give insight into effective grand parenting, as well as offer support for the grand parenting journey. Participants may have any age grandchild(ren), living locally or away.  Topics include updates on current issues that affect today's parenting and grandparenting styles, and grand parenting techniques that can complement and enhance the familial system.  Fun creative ideas and holiday celebrations for bonding with grandchildren are included, with a notebook full of resources.  It's never too late to learn up-to-date and effective ways to love and nurture children, and in the process, leave a Grand legacy for your grandchildren.

The Art of Fatherhood: Series 4 - for fathers of children K-12th grade

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, October 6-27

Facilitator: Dave Baughman

This 4-week evening class at Los Gringos will be facilitated by Dave Baughman, a dad to 3 kids (ranging from elementary to high school) and high school teacher of 14 years. Each week will feature a panel of experienced dads in conversation about relevant issues specific to fathering in the 21st century. Topics will include implementing positive discipline, managing stress, managing the work-home balance, and connecting to God in life-giving ways. Come early at 6:30 to order food and drinks. Free chips & guacamole and water provided for all.

 

The Art of Fatherhood: Series 5 - for fathers of children K-12th grade

Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, March 10-31

Facilitator: Ron Chiu

This 4-week evening class outside at a private residence will be facilitated by Ron Chiu, a dad to 2 kids. Each week will feature a specific topic from the book The Joy Switch: How Your Brain’s Secret Circuit Affects Your Relationships—and How You Can Activate It and its relevance and application to fathering. Come early at 6:30 for pizza and drinks. 

 

Essential Topics for Parenting - open to all adults 

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, February 2-23

Facilitator: Paula Giboney

This 4-week evening class focuses on 4 compelling issues facing many youth today and would be insightful for adults of all ages. Topics will include:

• Fentanyl and Addiction (understanding the prevalence, precautions, and resources) with Vicki Rekedal
• Mental Health (understanding the signs, symptoms, and resources) with a panel of experts
• Racial Reconciliation (understanding the Biblical foundation to promote unity through an apolitical lens) with Sandy Lee Schaupp
• Technology (understanding the concerns, precautions, and steps to managing technology well) with Sloan Walsh

Class will meet during LCPC Merge Night in the WAC. This class is being offered in partnership with LCPC Family Ministry, Spiritual Formation, Congregational Care, and Outreach. Because of their subsidization, we are offering this class at a special discounted rate!