Parenting Center

For the 2010-2011 Toldot (Parenting Center) Calendar please click here.

In 1983, under the supervision of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, we established our Pilot Jewish Parenting Center for parents with children from infancy to 30 months old. One day a week, from October through May, three separate groups of twelve children and one of their parents come to the Center. Four teachers supervise the toddlers’ play while their parents participate in a valuable discussion with a professional in the field of Social Work or Psychology. The children and parents are in adjoining open door rooms, allowing for complete accessibility. Approximately one half hour of this time is interactive between parents, caregivers, toddlers, teachers and family facilitator. The toddler program is replicated four Sundays each year for the non-weekday participating parent and their child. Attention to Jewish culture and ritual is woven through the parent discussion and introduces the Caregivers to our rich heritage.

Caregiver’s Course

The Parenting Center also gives parents the ability to provide their caregiver with a hands-on, informative program that provides a structured, educational approach in a supportive group atmosphere. Topics include child development, health and safety, positive discipline, self-esteem, balancing responsibilities and communication skills. Children will enjoy a wonderful, supervised playgroup.

Staffing

Trained early childhood teachers supervise all children in the Parenting Center. The head teacher has a Masters Degree and works with a team of three teachers with specialties in infant/toddler education. Parent facilitators, who work primarily with the parents, are trained in psychology, social work, parent education and/or early childhood education. Together the entire Parenting Center staff forms an interdisciplinary team that truly knows each family.

Our Parenting Center offers families guidance and support during the children’s critical early years. Our primary goal is to enrich parents’ relationships with their very young children.