April Classes and Programs at Parents Place Marin
Parents Place in San Rafael has been a valuable resource for countless Marin County parents and families. They offer a wide variety of programs and classes for parents and children throughout the year. Here are a few of their spring classes offerings during the month of April.
Webinar: Ready, Set, Go! Supporting Your Child's Transition to Kindergarten
Monday, April 4, noon–1 pm
Learn all about what to expect from Kindergarten and what teachers will expect of you and your child. Discussion will include ways you can help your child be ready both academically and emotionally for this exciting transition. Join presenter Stephanie Agnew for this interactive online workshop. $10. Register here.
Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child (1–5 years)
Monday, April 4, 7–8:30 pm
Understand different preschool philosophies and how to identify high-quality programs that match your needs. Learn the criteria to consider when choosing a program, what to look for during school tours, and tips for gaining admission into selective schools. With Cara Guyot, Parent Educator. $40; $65 parenting partners. Register here.
Infant and Child CPR (for expectant parents, parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children up to onset of puberty)
Thursday, April 14, 7–9 pm
Learn to recognize an infant or child in distress, rescue measures for choking, CPR techniques, and infant sleep safety. Includes hands-on practice with mannequins. One-year certification provided. Pre-crawling babies welcome. With Shanda Manion, CPR instructor certified by the American Heart Association in basic life support. $45. Register here.
Proven Solutions to Puzzling and Challenging Behaviors: Part 1 (1–7 years)
Monday, April 18, 7–9 pm
Does your child have epic meltdowns? Is he clumsy, clingy, or picky about clothes or shoes? Does she bite, chew clothing, or frequently bump into people or things? Children can be baffling, often leaving parents struggling to manage their behaviors and responding to their needs. Here comes help: Parents Place's Proven Solutions Class, which offers scientific explanations for children's puzzling behaviors. A child therapist and occupational therapist team up to offer clear explanations, up-to-date research, strategies, and examples that bring proven methods to life. You will leave with a whole new understanding of why children behave the way they do and tools you can use when your child exhibits problematic behaviors. With Alyse Clayman, LCSW and Martha Fine, MA OTR/L. $45; $75 parenting partners. Register here.
Positive and Effective Discipline: A Crash Course (3–5 years)
Wednesday, April 20, 7–9 pm
Starting with a basic understanding of developmental norms for 3- to 5-year-olds, we will break down the components of discipline-communication, listening, modeling, consequences, and more-to learn about improving limit-setting, encouraging responsibility, and fostering communication. With Susan Byrd, LCSW. $45; $75 parenting partners. Register here.
Infant and Child CPR (for expectant parents, parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children up to onset of puberty)
Sunday, April 24, 10 am–noon
Learn to recognize an infant or child in distress, rescue measures for choking, CPR techniques, and infant sleep safety. Includes hands-on practice with mannequins. One-year certification provided. Pre-crawling babies welcome. With Shanda Manion, CPR instructor certified by the American Heart Association in basic life support. $45. Register here.
Free: New Moms' Tea (pre-crawling babies)
Wednesday, April 27, 10:30 am–noon
Join us for a New Moms' Tea for an opportunity to discuss the joys and challenges of becoming a parent and to meet other new moms. We will discuss your favorite parental finds (i.e., baby gear, stroller friendly hikes, childcare options) as well as share about local resources supporting young families. Babies welcome. With Rebecca Breen, LCSW. Free, but preregistration required. Register here.
Free Webinar: Raising a Highly Sensitive Child (for parents of children 2–8 years)
Wednesday, April 27, noon–1 pm
Does your child seem shy and cautious or anxious in groups? Does he or she sometimes have intense reactions to his or her environment? Perhaps your child is highly sensitive.This trait is not a disorder, and mental health professionals do not always receive training in how to work with people with a finely tuned nervous system. Join us to learn about this trait and better understand your child's needs and strengths. Learn effective ways to guide your highly sensitive child, and work through transitions and change with minimal anxiety or tantrums. With Bonnie Romanow, childhood development specialist. Free. Register here.
Kids' Turn: A Workshop for Families Experiencing Separation and/or Divorce (5–17 years); 4-week series
Saturday, April 30, 10 am–noon
Kids' Turn workshops help children understand and express the difficult emotions associated with parental separation and divorce. We teach them practical skills they can use to cope with the changes happening in their lives. The workshops provide children with a safe and supportive environment in which they can talk to other children who are going through similar experiences. While kids are in groups with other children their own age, parents meet in separate groups to learn co-parenting and emotional intelligence skills that can be used to reduce family conflict and help support children. Fees are based on income. To see a fee chart and get more information visit kidsturn.org. Register here.
