Parent-Child & Family Support Activities
The first three years of life are a wonder-filled time when the child's greatest desire is to experience the world through his or her own efforts. These programs offer an opportunity for children and parents to share an educational experience in a supportive and peaceful environment and for parents to move forth in parenting with confidence. Hawthorne Valley Early Childhood Program faculty offer a range of support programs for young families from being free of charge to that of having a modest fee.
The Baby Garden
Wednesday Mornings, 9 to 10
We invite parents and babies (birth - 18 months) to this hour of informal visiting for the sharing of parenting support and inspiration in care giving. Warm tea will be waiting and sheepskins welcoming the comfort of movement of the wee ones. These sessions are offered as our gift for new families.
Parent-Child Classes
Thursday and/or Friday Mornings 9 to 11:30
Parents and children (18 months - 3 years) are invited to join our early childhood educators for a morning of play, song, puppet stories and sharing snack (delicious apple crisp!) followed by a walk to the farm. Learn about child development, meet new friends, and enjoy the calves, horses and baby pigs.
Experience a morning of play, crafts and conversation with other parents and their young children. Together we will:
- Guide the children towards social play
- Prepare a delicious seasonal snack
- Work with music and language development through songs, finger games, rhymes, and small puppet shows
- Create simple seasonal crafts
- Enjoy outdoor play and walks to the farm to see the animals, gardens, and greenhouses
Saturday Series: Deepening Our Understanding of Child Development
3rd Saturdays of the Month, 9 to 10:30
Topics of parenting and teaching young children will be explored in this series. Discussions will touch on subjects such as nutrition and health, rhythm and rest, discipline, care of the senses, festival life, and learning and technology. Childcare will be provided for a minimal fee for those who pre-register.
Seasonal Nature Walks
Parents interested in experiencing our Early Childhood Programs are welcome to bring their children on one of our Friday morning walks with the Kindergarten. Please call to register.