Child Development

Tiny Stars is the first class in our child development series, Tiny Stars is for babies that are sitting and perhaps just beginning to crawl.  Your little one will explore concepts of cause and effect and object permanence through playful games of hide-and-seek, fill and spill, instrument play, and pop-up toys.  Simple water play, sticky contact paper, and finger painting provide sensory stimulation and fine motor practice.   Parenting discussions include nap/nighttime sleep, solid food, language development, temperament and more.

The second class in our child development series, Little Lunas is for older babies who are- or soon will be- on the go! Babies in this class have discovered that they can make things happen!  Watch them problem solve and strengthen motor skills with ball ramps, tubes and tunnels, puzzles and cause and effect toys.  Water, dry oatmeal, painting and scribbling play provide sensory stimulation and fine motor practice.   Parenting discussions include:  nap/night time sleep, finger foods, separation anxiety, importance of routines, early discipline and more.

The third class in our child development and parenting series, Moon Walkers is for our newest and youngest toddlers!  Crawling, cruising, or toddling, these little girls and guys will have a ball seeing their pals, exploring new and exciting sensory materials and interacting with their caregivers.  Watch as your little one begins to imitate actions in familiar circle-time songs, follow simple directions and anticipate what’s coming next! Topics covered include: transitioning from two naps to one, picky eating, positive discipline, tantrums and language development. With multiple learning stations to explore, this is the perfect class for your amazing, busy, toddler! This class may be repeated.*

Toddlers in our Curious Comets class are little scientists engaged in endless exploration and problem-solving!  Multiple learning stations allow toddlers to explore at their own pace, and new and more sophisticated songs, toys and activities are introduced to reflect your child’s developing skills. With new activities and songs each session, this is a class you can enjoy all year long!  Topics discussed include: trouble-shooting naps and night time sleep, picky eating, tantrums, discipline, language development and more.

Older toddlers in our Discoverers class (previously known as Shooting Stars) have fun while they practice following directions, using simple phrases, making requests and taking turns.  At our play-based learning stations, children will paint with new and interesting tools, play with water, put on puppet shows, balance on river stones and much, much more! Topics covered include nap resisting, bedtime stalling, potty training, tantrums, discipline, aggressive behaviors and more.  With new activities and songs each session, this is a class you can enjoy all year long!

In this preschool-age development and parenting class caregivers will enjoy spending some quality time with their children as they engage in developmentally appropriate learning and sensory activities.  A focus will be placed on preschool readiness and social skills. Plenty of cooperative and pretend play await!  Caregivers will also be provided with the opportunity to discuss common parenting challenges of 3 year olds, including behavior and discipline, potty training, sleep and more!

Calling all little book worms! Did you know that children who learn to read early tend to be those who have a variety of books and have been taught to value them? Did you also know that shared reading and positive attitudes toward literacy promote early literacy skills?

Each session focuses on two children’s storybooks! Children will have fun with peers while they actively listen to a story and engage in developmental play activities that relate to the book’s theme.  Thoughtfully planned sensory art projects, group games, and movement & music time will strengthen early literacy, language, motor, and social skills. Late fall 2019 Book Club will include The Napping House and The Gingerbread Man.