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  11/1/21 and 8/7/22

Wednesdays, 11:30-1:30 pm

Instructor: Nanette Brown

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. 

 

Non-Separating Toddlers: for parents and their children born between 12/2/20 to 10/15/21

Wednesdays, 9-11 am 

Instructor: Nanette Brown

Thursdays, 9-11 am

Instructor: Jenn Kliewer

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.

 

Parents of Two's: for parents and their children born between 12/2/19 to 12/1/20

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 two-year olds, parenting styles, two’s and food, 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 3-4's: for parents and their children born between 6/1/17 and 12/1/19  

Thursdays, 9:15-11:15 am

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

In this class for 3-4 year olds and their parents, participants will enjoy creative craft projects, song and story time, opportunities for indoor and outdoor imaginative play, and creating new friendships. An experienced teacher will lead the parents in discussions about raising a preschooler using a variety of practical, mindful, and effective parenting strategies. Topics include understanding development, whole brain parenting, preparing for Kindergarten, play and friendships, raising happy children who thrive, and more. 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 12/1/17 and 8/8/22  

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, Parents of Two's, Parents of 3-4's, 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 support and discussion 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 finding balance.

 

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

Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:15-11:15 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. In this spiritually rich and encouraging environment, we will cover the stages and developmental tasks of middle schoolers, puberty, the pruning brain, managing technology, belonging and friendships, growing in independence, and many more topics. Parents will also gain ideas for creating a strong family culture and identity, while exploring the adventures and joys of raising children in this day and age. Join each week for this research-based, educational, and encouraging class. This class is a two hour class. The first 1 1/2 hours will be content and discussion. The last half hour will be used for those who want to stay for further conversation, debriefing or personal consultation with the instructor.

 

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

Wednesdays, 12-1:30 pm 

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

This online 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 and encouraging environment, participants will learn "Whole Brain" parenting strategies, navigating school challenges, building emotional intelligence, managing technology, belonging and friendships, 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 this day and age. 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,11-1 pm

Instructor: Vicki Rekedal 

This lively class creates an opportunity for community and sharing concerns with the whole teenager in view – spirit, mind, and body. Topics will include: collaborative-proactive solutions to common high school conflicts, understanding the teen brain, mental health (stress, anxiety, self control), peer influences, communication, managing technology and media, post-high school options and college prep, spiritual growth, and navigating tough topics around sexual experiences and pornography. Attention will be given to raising resilient, independent teenagers who are ready for their next step in life, while enjoying who each person is in the present.

 

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

Tuesdays, 10-11:30 am 

Instructor: Vicki Rekedal

Parenting through Learning Differences is designed for parents who need encouragement, support, education, and resources for raising a child (K-12th) with ADD/ADHD, ASD, specific learning disabilities, dyslexia, weak processing skills, anxiety challenges, and/or twice-exceptional abilities. 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.

 

Spiritual Parenting: for parents of all ages

Thursdays, 12-1:30 pm 

Instructor: Jenn Kliewer

This new class is designed for parents of all ages. It will focus on fostering spiritual growth and development for both parents and the whole family. Each semester will take a deep dive into a book written by a popular Christian author and will provide encouragement, support, and practical resources. Books are included.

First semester book will be I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist. You can read more about the book here.

 

GRAND-Parenting: for grandparents of all ages

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:15 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.

 

Parenting College Freshman

Wednesdays, 12:15-1:45 pm 

Instructor: Jan Roberts

The Parenting College Freshman class will provide support in the process of launching a student into the new world of college. Topics include surviving away from home, living with a roommate, managing on a budget, adjusting to academic differences, and wise awareness of the "Big 3 of College" (sex, drugs, alcohol). Parents will be guided in parenting from a distance, learning to become a mentor instead of a manager, and an advocate to encourage their student toward independence. Parents will join with class members in sending 3 care packages to their students.

*class meets 12 weeks/semester instead of 15

 

Parenting College Sophomores

Thursdays, 9:30-11 am

Instructor: Jan Roberts

The Parenting College Sophomores class will help parents understand the uniqueness of the "Sophomore Slump" year, and suggest ways to encourage students. No longer the New Kid on the Block (freshman), sophomores are confronted with choosing a major, changing friendships, uncertainties of belonging, time management issues, living off campus in apartments, possibilities of study abroad, and for some, considerations of transferring. Parents learn to listen, encourage, and let go. Parents will join with class members in sending 3 care packages to their students.  

*class meets 12 weeks/semester instead of 15

 

Parenting College Juniors & Seniors

alternating Wednesdays, 9:30-11 am

Instructor: Tracy Tobias

As students move into their junior and senior years of college, parents need to fully embrace their role as mentor and encourager as opposed to manager and fixer. This class will provide a community for parents to nurture their child's independence and autonomy, allowing them to grow into thriving, successful adults, capable of managing their own lives, finances, relationships, and emotional well-being. We will address many of the topics related to the joys and challenges of college life- demanding coursework, jobs, internships, housing, studying abroad, physical and mental health, roommates, relationships,  partying, general adulting skills, moving back home, as well as staying connected. It is a season of letting go, but a time of building a new adult relationship with your child that can be extremely rewarding. There will also be plenty of discussion on embracing your empty nest and how to make the most out of your next chapter. 

*class meets 8 weeks/semester instead of 15

The Art of Fatherhood: Series 6 - for fathers of all age children 

Wednesdays, October 5-26

7-8:30 pm

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 How We Love and its relevance and application to fathering. Come early at 6:30 for food and drinks. All participants will receive a copy of the book with their registration. 

 

Life Lessons in Parenting  - for parents of children K-12th grade

Wednesdays, November 2-30 (not meeting 11/26)

7-8:30 pm

Facilitator: Tracy Tobias

Join us for this 4-week parenting retrospective offering lessons learned from parents looking back at what worked, what they are most proud of as parents, and what they would do differently if given the chance. This class will focus on 4 main themes: 1) Building family connections; 2) Creating habits, discipline, and life skills; 3) Building physical and mental health skills; and 4) Challenging the concept of doing it all. 

 

Spring Infants  - for parents and children 0-9 months

Wednesdays, February 8 to March 15

5-7 pm (includes dinner)

Facilitator: Nanette Brown with Daniela Kim

This class provides 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, separation issues, family traditions and co-parenting. Children remain with parents at all times. Dinner will be provided. Spouses and co-parents encouraged to register and attend. Discount for 2nd adult registration automatically applied at checkout. Expectant parents welcome as well.

 

Managing Technology for Middle & High Schoolers

Tuesdays, February 7-28

12-1:30 pm

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

 

Managing Technology for Elementary Kids

Tuesdays, March 7-28

12-1:30 pm

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

 

Managing Technology for 0-5 year olds

Tuesdays, April 18- May 9

12-1:30 pm

Instructor: Sloan Walsh